Rail-crossing consultant wants more time, not more money

The consultant on Powder Springs’ railroad-crossing study wants two more months on its contract—with no increase in its fee—to help the city through federal grant closeout and review.⁠[1][2]

The Georgia city’s council is scheduled to consider the extension Nov. 16 on its consent agenda. The proposal would keep Alfred Benesch & Company under contract through Jan. 31, 2027. It concerns professional services, not authorization to close crossings or begin construction.⁠[1][3]

In its Nov. 3 request, Benesch says its twelve-month assignment began with a Dec. 1, 2025 notice to proceed. The requested end date would align the contract with the federal funding period’s end, according to the firm. The extra time would cover quarterly progress and financial reports, comments from the Federal Railroad Administration’s review of final deliverables, and responses to residents and council members.⁠[2]

The underlying study concerns possible elimination of at-grade railroad crossings at Huddleston, Finch and Angham roads. The city’s 2025 authorization called for conceptual engineering, environmental assessments and community outreach to advance the project toward another round of funding.⁠[3]

That authorization set out a $1 million project: $800,000 in federal support and a $200,000 partner match. Powder Springs’ share was $25,000, alongside $125,000 from the Georgia Department of Transportation and $25,000 each from Norfolk Southern and Cobb DOT.⁠[3]

The Nov. 16 meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 4483 Pineview Drive. Residents wishing to comment must register in person between 6:40 and 7 p.m.; the agenda provides no virtual public-comment option.⁠[1]