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New Rail Loop & Storage Yard

Oklahoma

PROJECT
OVERVIEW

Coming to the end of their lease agreement with BNSF, Norwest’s client was about to experience a substantial increase in demurrage fees. That increase in operational costs incentivized our client to construct sufficient rail storage onsite to store unit trains. Norwest supported this capital project from initial concept through detailed design and construction.

Norwest performed all detailed civil engineering and design for 22,080 linear feet of track and 15 new switches to provide our client with a new rail loop that allows simple, single-directional access to and from the main line. Norwest also provided detailed electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural engineering to provide area lighting, relocate powerlines, modify fire protection lines, and resolve 49 pipeline crossings.

Project Photos

Project Deliverables

  • 22,080 linear feet of new track and 15 new rail switches to store 247 railcars on‐site.
  • Crossing resolution for 49 existing pipelines.
  • New rail loop for faster transition to/from the Main Line.
  • Utilities: Fireline redesign, and powerline relocation & coordination.

Unique Challenges

  • Soft soil. Norwest incorporated ground improvement designs throughout the new track layout.
  • Underground discoveries. The project site was located between multiple refineries and other facilities, making the discovery of pipelines a regular occurrence. By conventional methods, only a portion of the 49 total pipelines we crossed were discovered prior to construction.
  • Buried “Bridges”. Many discovered pipelines could not be modified. Norwest designed underground, rigid “bridges” to distribute load applied by passing railcars over the existing pipelines. Without the “bridges,” codes would have dictated the existing pipelines be relocated to a lower depth.
  • Coordination with third party pipeline companies. Many of the underground lines were owned by other pipeline companies. Norwest coordinated with each to ensure final design was approved.
  • Project Schedule. In‐service date could not fluctuate for our client to make the project successful. With all the hurdles listed above, meeting project schedule was a point of pride for Norwest.

Services Related to this Project

Construction Support
Experienced professionals who hold contractors accountable, catch issues early, and keep your project on time and within budget
Design-Build & EPC Services
Partnering with preferred contractors to deliver seamless, end-to-end project solutions
Site Investigations
Traditional surveying, 3D laser scanning, bathymetric surveys, geotechnical investigations, and drone video inspections
FEED Studies & Cost Estimating
Expertise to identify uncertainties early, optimize project planning, and provide accurate cost projections for successful execution
Rail Design
Optimizing railcar movements, integrating rail infrastructure, and minimizing loading times and demurrage fees
Multi-Discipline Detailed Engineering
Combining comprehensive technical expertise with industry experience to ensure efficient, constructible designs

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Since 1975, Norwest Engineering has provided innovative, reliable solutions to clients across North America and beyond. We’re headquartered in Portland, Oregon with a nationwide workforce of highly-skilled engineers and designers. As your partner in progress, we are committed to understanding your evolving needs and delivering results that ensure the long-term success and efficiency of your facility. Contact us today to discuss how we can help achieve your goals.

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