The Public Works team is the main point of contact when a community desires to deliver infrastructure projects that cross, parallel, or intersect CP’s network in the United States.
Utility Crossing Requests
All new pipeline/wireline underground/overhead crossings must follow all applicable statutes and regulations as well as CP specifications, geotechnical protocol, operational rules and track monitoring guidelines.
Click here to make an application for a new utility crossing.
We
encourage utility applicants to submit an application at least
9 months ahead of planned installation to ensure adequate time for reviews, geotechnical analysis (if applicable), coordination, and to schedule flagging. CP’s review time, in part, will depend on the complexity of the proposed work, the location and other factors.
CP is committed to working with each applicant to ensure the proposed work is evaluated, coordinated and scheduled in a manner to maximize safety for the public and in compliance with applicable statutes or regulations.
Following CP approval, the utility company or its contractor must follow procedures outlined below "Accessing Railroad Property" to access CP property.
CP Utility Specifications and Application Process
CP Geotechnical Protocol
CP Track Monitoring Guidelines
New At-Grade Crossings
To enhance highway-rail grade crossing safety, CP endorses the United States Department of Transportation's goal of reducing the number of at-grade crossings, both public and private, through consolidation, elimination, grade separation and restriction of the number of new crossings installed.
CP, the Federal Railroad Administration, and most states encourage communities to carefully consider all alternatives, including grade separations, instead of creating new at-grade crossings.
CP has a practice of requesting that multiple public crossings be consolidated before agreeing to the establishment of a new public crossing. Proposals for establishing a new public At-Grade Crossing should identify two or more public at-grade crossing closures for each new crossing opened unless there are specific engineering or rail operation considerations at the specific location.
CP understands the importance of highway-rail grade crossings and their relevance to such priorities as economic development, emergency vehicle access and other growth opportunities in the communities through which we operate. However, because of the safety concerns associated with highway-rail grade crossings, every effort must be made to obtain alternative access or additional capacity using grade separations or other roads leading to existing crossings.
Grade-Separation Railroad Crossings
CP Public Works will review all grade separation bridge/structure projects that cross or are within the railroad's right of way, including projects that involve installing new grade separation structures and the removal, reconstruction, or modification of existing grade separation structures.
CP requires all new roadway bridges to span the CP right-of-way and meet CP minimum vertical clearance requirements above top of, current and future, rail as identified in the CP Grade Separation Guidelines.
Vertical Clearance for Overhead Bridges
At-Grade Crossing Improvement
CP Public Works will review all projects that affect at-grade crossings. CP routinely works with roadway authorities to allow improvements to existing roadways located on CP property. While these types of projects may seem easy at first glance, the amount of coordination between the agency and CP can take many months to progress to construction. These projects may require a Preliminary Engineering Agreement to define the project scope and prepare design and estimates for the project.
Coordination between the road authority and CP is required when working on railroad right of way, even when the road authority has a roadway easement/right of way. The road authority must review and consider alternative options to replacing/changing roadways on CP property and consider overall safety concerns for both the railroad and highway users. This review should cover activities before, during and after work is to be performed.
Considerations for planning roadway work at or near a crossing:
- Highways must be closed fully to roadway traffic for crossing replacement or major maintenance work.
- Agreements are required for all work on CP property and near road crossings.
- Safety regulations and policies require that a CP flagman may be required when an agency performs work on CP property, and the agency shall bear this cost.
- CP shall determine the crossing surface material type that meets current CP standards.
- Drainage shall be addressed at all four quadrants of the crossing.
- There is often more than one crossing on the same road. Each crossing has a unique DOT inventory identification number posted at the crossing. The number must be used to identify the specific crossing in all communications with the railroad to reduce possible confusion about the specific location.
Useful links:
Accessing Railroad Property
CP frequently receives requests from outside parties to work on or near its property for projects unrelated to railroad operations. CP requires that all outside parties accessing CP right-of-way obtain approval from CP, obtain an access agreement, follow CP Minimum Safety Requirements for Contractors (see below attachment) and coordinate on-track protection, as deemed necessary by CP.
If access is approved by CP, on-track protection will be assigned as resources are available. On-track protection is required to ensure that nearby trains and workers are kept safe. CP recommends providing a minimum of 60 days notice for on-track protection to ensure resources are available for the planned work.
All CP costs, including on-track protection, will be placed on the outside party.
Minimum Safety Requirements
Public Works Team
CP's Public Works managers are available to assist and provide guidance on how to work alongside CP. They are ready to work with you.
Covering the States of ND, MN, WI, SD
Manager Public Works
Brian Osborne
brian_osborne@cpr.ca
Supervisor Public Works
Greda Lynn
greda_lynn@cpr.ca
Covering the States of IL, IA, MO, ME, MI, NY, VT
Manager Public Works
Matt Miller
matthew_miller@cpr.ca
Director Projects and Public Works – US
Daniel Sabatka
Daniel_Sabatka@cpr.ca
Supervisor Public Works
Kyle Spree
kyle_spree@cpr.ca