Press Release

PUC Approves Investigation Into Herr Street Norfolk Southern Underpass Repairs

Published on 7/17/2008

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted 4-0 today to approve the results of an investigation involving the City of Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) into the allocation of costs for detailed final repair plans of the Norfolk Southern Railway Company Herr Street underpass.   

The investigation concluded that Norfolk Southern Railway Company (Norfolk Southern) will submit a detailed final repair plan and that within 12 months from the date that the PUC approves its submitted repair plans, Norfolk Southern shall furnish all materials and do all necessary work to repair the abutments and retaining walls in accordance with the approved plans.  Norfolk Southern should also notify all parties of interest at least 10 days prior to the actual date on which work will begin, as well as the date of actual completion of the work.  Norfolk Southern will also submit to the PUC a detailed statement of the actual costs incurred by it in furnishing material, performing work and supply services. 

PennDOT and the City of Harrisburg will each reimburse Norfolk Southern 50 percent of the costs that Norfolk Southern incurs in repairing the portions of the abutments and retaining walls that are located outside its right of way, up to a maximum of $42,500 each.  Norfolk Southern will bear the remaining costs of material furnished and work performed repairing the abutments and retaining walls at the crossing. They will also furnish at its initial cost and expense all material and perform all necessary work to maintain its track and other facilities, the superstructure, the abutments and retaining walls of the involved structures carrying its tracks over Herr Street.

The City of Harrisburg will reimburse Norfolk Southern 10 percent of the costs Norfolk Southern incurs in maintaining the abutments and retaining walls of the involved structures.  The City will also furnish all material and perform all work necessary to maintain the sidewalks and curbs at the crossing adjacent to the abutments and retaining walls.  PennDOT will furnish all material and perform all work required thereafter to maintain Herr Street between the face of curbs. 

The City was also directed to remove any snow, ice or debris from the sidewalks at the crossing adjacent to the abutments and retaining walls.  The City will also, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all material and perform all work necessary to maintain the street lighting at the crossing adjacent to the abutments and retaining walls. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. I-00070113

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov