Railyard Relocation Study

Study Background

The Cambell Street overpass structure, which carries traffic over the railyard is aging, and the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is due to decide what the next steps for the structure will be. This study will help inform any decision made to remove, rehabilitate, or replace the overpass with a focus on the ancillary impacts to the adjacent railyard.

Study Overview

The Rapid City Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (RCAMPO) has initiated the Railyard Relocation Study to examine the feasibility of relocating the current Rapid City, Pierre, and Eastern Railroad (RCP&E) railyard to an alternate location, and thus, potentially reconfiguring transportation infrastructure and access in southeastern Rapid City. The Cambell Street Overpass is due for replacement or rehabilitation, and previous studies, driven by the age of the structure, have evaluated options for the future of the structure, including:

Rehabilitating and repairing the overpass

Removing and replacing the overpass with an at-grade crossing and reconfiguring Saint Joseph Street

Removing and replacing the overpass with an at-grade crossing and reconfiguring Saint Joseph Street

In addition, the location of the railyard is not ideal for RCP&E due to vehicular traffic, train operations, and frequent train backups onto nearby at-grade crossings. This study will investigate the potential to relocate the adjacent railyard and inform any decision that is made by SDDOT and the City of Rapid City (City) for future construction in the area. While relocation of the railyard and reconfiguration of the railway is not guaranteed, the possibility offers an opportunity to make the surrounding area safe, accessible, and functional for all roadway users in the future.

What is a Railyard?

RCP&E uses the railyard under the Cambell Street Overpass to provide maintenance to railcars, store railcars and equipment, load and unload cargo, and more. The railyard and all its infrastructure is owned and operated by RCP&E with permission and cooperation from the SDDOT and the City.

Study Objectives

Analyze previous studies and existing conditions including regional multimodal transportation accessibility, railroad operations, land use and ownership, and demographics.

Collaborate with a variety of important stakeholders at every milestone to shape project vision.

Identify and evaluate candidate railyard sites in terms of function, operations, and cost.

Analyze alternatives and site layouts to understand scope potential development and inform construction cost estimates.

Provide recommendations to the City on the feasibility of a potential relocation of the RCP&E railyard through an implementation plan outlining potential funding sources to pursue.