WASHINGTON, D.C. — The first phase of rail improvements designed to ease traffic congestion in Manassas is set to begin in a few weeks, after a delay of 18 months, the Washington Post reports.
This phase of construction will involve relocating the crew change station from a site near Stonewall Road to Bristow, building a two-mile section of railroad track south of the city, and broadening a sharp curve near Stonewall Road. The curve was the site of three train derailments in 2000.
Norfolk Southern Railway Co. will begin construction of the new track by the last week of this month and finish it in September, according to the new production schedule. Work on the curve will begin in May and likely be completed early next year. Construction of the crew change building will start in June and end in December.
Late last month, the Manassas City Council passed a resolution allowing the work to begin. Work was originally supposed to begin in June of 2000, but there were delays obtaining funding and acquiring land — a responsibility mainly on the shoulders of Norfolk Southern. The total cost will be nearly $12 million for the first phase.
“These are still very important projects,” said Michael Moon, the director of public works, in regards to the first phase. “We don’t see any more delays ahead for getting started.”
Proceeding with the improvements is important, Moon said, especially because state officials project the 2002 fiscal year budget already has a deficit of more than$1 billion. That shortfall could delay various projects, including the construction of the overpasses to allow traffic to avoid the tracks entirely.
The resolution passed last month also requires the Virginia Department of Transportation to “aggressively” seek funds, other than urban construction funds the city already receives annually, to cover a nearly $10 million deficit for the Wellington Road overpass. If no additional funds are found, construction of overpasses could be delayed until 2006.
Under a project agreement, between the city, state and railroad company, Norfolk Southern’s financial contribution is capped at $4 million. The balance of the project will be paid for through a combination of state and city funds.
“We’re happy that things are finally getting under way,” said Susan Bland, a spokeswoman for the railroad. “It’s always been a goal for us, and we’re committed to this project.”
Two months ago, however, there were doubts the city would proceed with the first phase of work because cost estimates more than tripled, to $13.5 million from $4 million. The second phase calls for building two overpasses at Nokesville Road at Wellington Road and on Wellington Road near Jennie Dean Elementary School. The cost of that work also ballooned, to $41.5 million from $31.6 million.
But even as the improvements are set to begin, city officials are worried about future funding, given the commonwealth’s economy. Virginia’s “transportation dollars right now are very competitive,” Moon said. “We hope there aren’t any further delays because of any slippage.”