Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

Table 1-1
Design Specifications for the Bucyrus, Ohio Connection
Maximum curvature
Maximum grade
Minimum weight of rail
Tie lengths
10 degrees, 0 minutes
0.90 percent
136 pounds per yard
8 feet, 6 inches
Grade of ties 4 and 5
Ties per mile 3,168
Ballast depth
Minimum subballast depth
Minimum subgrade width
Minimum depth of ditches
Maximum side slopes
Maximum cut
Maximum fill
12 inches
12 inches
32 feet
1 foot, 0 inches
2 horizontal : 1 vertical
4.1 feet
5.3 feet
The width of the new right-of-way for the proposed connection would be approximately 40 feet. The
proposed additional track would be centered on the right-of-way. On the Conrail right-of-way, the
proposed track would be parallel to and spaced at a perpendicular distance of 15 feet from centerline
to centerline for approximately 1,000 feet and then would connect with the Conrail line 200 feet west
of Whetstone Street.
The proposed connection would not cross any streams or wetlands, nor would any residences need to
be removed as a result of the proposed project. NS would need to acquire rights to cross three properties
and remove structures and materials associated with the Quinn Brothers Construction Company (which
leases two of the properties and occupies all three). The structures that would be removed include the
company office (a one-story frame building located in the construction yard) and a warehouse (the
former T&OC freight depot).
The proposed connection would cross Rensselaer Street and East Warren Street. The existing East
Warren Street NS at-grade crossing would be expanded to accommodate the proposed track, and the
crossing protection would be upgraded to include gates and flashing lights. A new at-grade crossing
would be constructed at Rensselaer Street approximately 300 feet east of the existing NS crossing on
Rensselaer Street. Protective devices at both the existing NS crossing and the new proposed crossing
would include gates and flashing lights.
The exact labor force required and the duration of construction have not been determined, but the
project is expected to require 10 to 15 people and three to six months to complete. It is expected that
the work would be done during normal working hours. Borrow material for the project would be
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