The city's plans to install lighting on Railroad Street from Potato Road to Sheehan Street have been delayed after receiving an estimate of $55,000 for the project - a far cry from the originally budgeted $13,000.
The main reason for the increase is required licensing to utilize the railroad company's existing light poles (which are located on the company's property). City Manager/Engineer Steve West said at last week's city council meeting that Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and NV Energy were not able to find an existing utility easement and UPRR has said it would cost $24,000 for a license fee.
The number was a complete surprise, according to West, especially because most of the lights would be going on existing poles that are already used for utilities.
Councilman Jim Billingsley also expressed surprise and wondered aloud why the railroad company wouldn't find the lighting to be a benefit as it would add safety near the tracks. West said he would try to work something out with UPRR, but wasn't certain they would be able to resolve the issue.
The lighting project was approved last August and was intended to cover a distance just short of one mile.
The city's original estimate from NV Energy to install the 200-watt street lighting was $12,500, plus an additional $2,300 for annual power costs.
The main purpose of the project is increased safety, West said in August.
"We've observed quite a few people - pedestrians and bicyclists - using that road at night," he said. "It's extremely dark and we feel it's a safety concern."
At the time, West gave a project completion time frame of one month, but obviously the project, if completed at all, will be far behind schedule.
Contact Jessica Powell at j.powell@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
