What is the purpose of the Railroad Relocation project?
The purpose of the Bypass Rail Bridge Relocation Project is to construct a new rail bridge over the future Oxbow Bypass and replace the existing rail bridge over Napa River in order to provide flood protection to the community. These new bridges need to be constructed high enough to avoid blocking flood flows and to ensure that other flood project features can be constructed and function effectively.

Why do we need to raise the existing Railroad Bridge?
The existing railroad bridge over the Napa River impedes high water in a flood event; consequently, the bridge must be replaced with one at a higher elevation. The plan is to build a new rail bridge over the Napa River 4 feet higher and 35 feet to the east of the existing bridge. This will eliminate the railroad as a flood obstruction. Under a future contract, the Flood Project will construct floodwalls along the Oxbow that will tie in to the new bridge.

Why do we need a new railroad bridge north of First Street?
As part of the Flood Project improvements, a Bypass Channel will be constructed at the Oxbow to redirect a portion of the floodwaters from the River. The Oxbow Bypass Channel will help to relieve pressure around the Oxbow by diverting high water during large storm events from east of McKinstry Street that will reenter the River near the mouth of Napa Creek. A new rail bridge is required to carry the train across the future Oxbow Bypass Channel, which is essentially an opened channel, before the bypass construction can begin.

Where will the railroad relocation take place?
The railroad will be relocated from the South Soscol Avenue crossing to Napa Street to accommodate the increased elevation at the bridges. The new alignment will be approximately 35-feet east of the existing track. Portions of First and Third Streets and Soscol Avenue will be elevated to accommodate the elevated railroad tracks.

What street closures will be made?
The major street closures required will involve First Street between Soscol Avenue and McKinstry Street, Third Street between Soscol Avenue and Burnell Street, and Soscol Avenue at the two locations where the railroad tracks cross the street. First and Third Streets will not be closed at the same time. Napa Street will be permanently closed at Soscol, where a cul-de-sac will be built. Lawrence Street will be changed permanently to a one-way street in the northbound direction.

For how long will these street closures be scheduled?
The project is just getting underway, and at this time the contractor’s schedule has not been finalized. Every effort is being made to minimize the closure duration of each street. However, the Corps of Engineers anticipates that closures on First and Third Street will each last several months. Once again, these two streets will not be closed at the same time. Once a construction schedule is approved, we will keep the community informed on the project’s status, progress, street closures, and what to expect.

How will traffic be impacted?
When Third Street is closed, traffic will be detoured to First Street. It will also be possible to travel east on Third by using Sixth Street and Burnell Street to connect between Soscol and Third. When First Street is closed, traffic will be detoured to Third Street, but McKinstry Street will remain open as an alternate route between Soscol and First Street east of the closure area. At a later time when closures on Soscol are needed, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction for a period of time. For all the closures, the contractor will place signs and other controls to direct vehicles and pedestrians to detour routes.

How will the community know how to get around the street closures?
There will be extensive signage on display in each of the impacted areas alerting the community on how to get around and get to where they need to go. We will publicize closures in the local media, and post updates on the websites of the City of Napa and the Flood District, and will provide email updates on a regular basis. We also encourage businesses to work together to create a communications plan that will help their customers develop new access routes.

How long will this project take?
The railroad relocation project is scheduled to be complete at the end of 2011.

Who can I contact for further information?
Julie Lucido is the flood project manager and can be reached at (707) 259-8600 or jlucido@co.napa.ca.us