Project Planning

It starts with good planning on the front end.  We strive to make your project move smoothly from conception through completion by working closely with our clients on the front end to get a deep understanding of their project goals.  

Project Scope Development
Our first step is to begin a dialog with the client to understand their need for new or expanded rail service at one or more site locations. We conduct a site evaluation either remotely or in person to determine if rail service to an industrial site or facility expansion is a feasible transportation alternative.

Feasibility Analysis
We develop conceptual plans for preliminary review by our client and by the serving railroad that is based on available information to illustrate multiple options for rail service to a new or expanding industrial site(s).   Operational considerations for switching rail cars and required rail car capacity are illustrated for consideration by all stakeholders.

Budgetary Cost Estimates
Based on finalized concepts, we provide our clients with a preliminary cost estimate to include quantities based on well-developed concepts as well as unit costs for track construction based on current rail industry pricing information.

Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER)
For projects where public grant funding is being sought to assist in the funding of the project, we will develop a PER for use by economic developers in assisting their industrial prospects.

Detailed Engineering

Project Engineering Kickoff
We work closely with the client and their engineering consultants to initiate a dialog to coordinate the efforts of the overall team as it relates to the rail component of the overall project.  We assist the industry or other engineering firms develop a scope of surveying services.

Detailed Track Plan Development
We develop detailed track plans based on survey information and facility designs by others.  These plans will be developed to meet or exceed the railroad’s design criteria.

Railroad Approval Process
We will coordinate directly with the railroad to submit finalized track plans for their detailed review, comment, and approval process. Our experience and contacts with various railroads allow us to coordinate directly with railroad industrial development and engineering departments in charge of vetting projects through various internal engineering, operational, and contracts departments.

Track Construction Specifications
We will develop a customized set of track construction specifications for your project.  These specifications provide detailed information for what will be required for materials, installation, and workmanship based on decades of experience in the rail industry.

Track Construction Bidding Assistance
We assist our clients with presenting project plans and specifications to potential bidders.  We can provide our clients with a quality list of rail contractors for them to consider inviting to bid based on our knowledge of their past work and their area of expertise and service region.  Our services include options for privately or publicly bid projects where we assist in an organized bidding process to include job showings, RFI process, bid tabulations, and bid recommendations.