Last week was the perfect week for the Ann Arbor Railroad to wrap up an infrastructure project, noted Roadmaster Steven Ayala: It was national #InfrastructureWeek2017.
The Team began the 2017 capital road crossing projects on April 17, starting work on replacing crossings on the Michigan Sub near Temperance, Michigan.
On Friday, they replaced the final of five, with AARR Track Foreman Art Perez Jr. leading contractor Armond Cassil Railroad Construction Inc.
Ayala said the Team was a few weeks ahead of its typical schedule, because due to the mild winter, the asphalt was available earlier this season. The project was planned a year ago as a priority due to deterioration from salt spread during harsh winters and heavy traffic causing the wearing down of the crossings.
It involved organization and coordination, Ayala noted: The Team had to obtain permits from counties and townships, move the material using in-house labor to help reduce costs from contractors, temporarily close rail crossings, stage all the signs and barricades — again, to reduce costs — and tear out old crossings.
The Team then built panels, slid them in place, and added rock and surface through the new section of track. Thermite Welders and the asphalt company helped to finish the project.
“It was definitely a group effort,” Ayala said. “It’s nice working with a contractor that puts quality first – they believe in working as a team, as well.”
He also credited Team members behind the scenes, including purchasing, AARR Maintenance of Way, and the AARR Mechanical Department for putting the necessary pieces in place to make it possible.
Up next: The AARR is scheduled to install 2,500 cross tries on the Michigan Sub going through the City of Ann Arbor, which most likely will happen in July.
#