Livingston Rail Road Underpass Project
The City of Livingston and Park County have established a need to improve the existing transportation network. The City of Livingston and Park County were experiencing significant growth that is anticipated to continue in the future, predominately to the west and north of the City. Vehicular traffic growth on the City’s state highway routes and adjoining network is a function of not only local population growth but also I-90 traffic increases, and traffic increases associated with the City’s status as a gateway into the Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park. The City of Livingston and Park County funded and conducted a feasibility study that began in 2007 and was completed in March 2008. This study evaluated the feasibility of a proposed grade separated rail crossing in the City of Livingston, in Park County, Montana.
The Livingston Railroad Grade Separation project will entail construction of a new railroad underpass connecting Star Road / Front Street with Highway 10 / I-90 Business Loop on the City of Livingston’s west side. The purpose of the project is to provide an additional grade-separated crossing within the City of Livingston in order to enhance connectivity and provide greater emergency vehicle access and expedited response times to serve the growing northwest sector of the city. Improvements will include bike lanes and sidewalks.
In 2005, the City annexed the west corridor of the Highway 10 / I-90 Business Loop to accommodate anticipated commercial and business growth in this area. The additional crossing would serve to accommodate anticipated traffic and provide an additional grade-separated route for emergency vehicles to serve on going and proposed development in the northwest sector of the city.
Purpose of the Project
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Provide and additional grade-separated crossing within the City of Livingston to improve public safety and emergency access to the north side of the railroad corridor.
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Provide greater connectivity for the City of Livingston, strengthening the economy and the community by improving business connection and growth.
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Improving the multi-modal transportation system.
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Alleviate congestion at existing crossings, providing safer travel.
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Provide more convenient travel and welcoming esthetic for visitors traveling through Livingston to Yellowstone National Park.
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Accommodate Livingston’s growth in the last 20 years.
Considering the proximity of Highway 10, the railroad, Fleshman Creek and the topography, an at-grade intersection of Star Road and Highway 10 was selected as the most viable concept. The railroad parallels Highway 10 at this location and is approximately 150 feet to the north. The new crossing would involve the extension of Star Road south under the existing Montana Rail Link tracks to Highway 10. The profile of Highway 10 will be lowered to accommodate the under crossing.
Design Concepts
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Provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
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Historic and neighborhood preservation.
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Context sensitive design of historic irrigation ditch realignment.
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Bridge Structure will be designed for 75 year life.
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Context sensitive design of aquatic organism passage in stream relocation and structures.
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Context sensitive design of adjacent farmland recontouring to approximate historic topography.
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Improve and treat storm drainage.
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Relocate water and sanitary sewer to accommodate improvements.
The City of Livingston has been prepared and proactive about the growth of their community. Plans to improve and increase access to the north side of Livingston have been in the growth policy since 2004. The need for another Railroad undercrossing have been apparent for years. The first steps of this project has already been completed, now is the time to assist in securing the funds to construct this project and grow the City of Livingston’s infrastructure.
- Completed Steps
- Feasibility Study
- Categorical Exclusion finalized
- Preliminary Design
- Preliminary Right-of-Way
- Next Steps
- TIGER III Grant Application (submitted 10/31/11)
- Final Design
- Permitting
- Right-of-Way Acquisition
- Construction
