Inspection Davenport IA Transload Site

On January 31, 2017 a walking inspection was performed on the tracks located in Davenport Iowa that Savage is to operate a transload facility at the end of the 3 mile line. Savage will handle rail cars and perform switching required, to date there is one customer, Ryerson that has a rail spur.

Savage Davenport Transload The following slides will describe the current condition of the rail infrastructure and also areas of concern. Will report on what repairs are necessary before rail traffic and address annual track maintenance requirements.

Current Conditions Rail – most of the rail on the line is comprised of 136 lb with some 133 lb rail in areas. All is 6” base and conventional (jointed) #1 relay rail installed. All joint bars are 36” (6 hole) bars and fully bolted. Rail anchors are implemented on every other tie on most of the line, all ties are anchored at turnouts. Double shoulder, 11” tie plates are used with most of the line single spiked (2 spikes per tie plate). Cross ties are mostly relay ties and in fairly good condition. Surface and alinement on the line is good with no exceptions. Ballast is generally limestone and has areas described later in this report that has issues. Vegetation in areas has grown and is fouling the track structure and road crossing appliances. This report will have more details with pictures in the following slides.

Curve at east end of Line To the right is the curve located at the connection to the Class 1 carrier. There is no derail protection at the connecting point to the Class 1, recommend installing a sliding derail near the clearance point of switch to protect each operating party. Needs to be located between Ryerson switch and Class 1 connecting switch.

Ryerson Switch To the right is the Ryerson switch located 2/10th of a mile from the connection to the Class 1 carrier. There is another switch at the clearance point making 2 tracks going into the Ryerson facility. The east track goes into the building. This switch is a 136 lb #9 turnout with rigid 16’6” switch points, 22E low star switch stand with a self guarded frog. Note: Self guarded frogs are good for 10 mph or less speed.

Vegetation To the right is photo of the area east of the Auto Salvage business located on the east end of the line. There is significant growth of brush and small trees next to the track. A weed abatement program will be required annually to keep line clear.

Concrete Bridge To the right is photo of the 54’ long concrete bridge that is located on the east end, approximately 0.5 mile west of connection switch. There are no walkways or hand rails on this bridge. If cars were stopped on top of the bridge and trainman needed to walk across, this would be difficult.

Auto Salvage Crossing To the right is photo of the 32’ long concrete panel private road crossing for Auto Salvage company that is located on the east end of the line, approximately 0.6 mile west of connection switch. There is one crossbuck sign down and the other is leaning and ready to fall. This crossing is used daily by a front end loader carrying vehicles on the front forks back and forth.

County Road Y64 To the right is photo of the 40’ long concrete panel public road crossing that is located on the east end of the line, approximately 0.8 mile west of connection switch. There is vegetation on both sides of the crossing and around the signal house and signal gates that will need to be removed and controlled. At any road crossing it is imperative to keep line of vision for motorist clear for a minimum of 250’. Crossing is equipped with lights, bells and gates.

Vegetation and Ballast condition To the right is photo of the ballast conditions and how vegetation is able to grow on the track. The ballast, in some areas is very fine and has a lot of dirt in it. This will continue to plaque this line and a vigorous weed control program will be required. Will need to monitor surface and line conditions as these areas will become soft and allow settling of the track.

155th Ave Crossing To the right is photo of the 32’ long concrete crossing facing west at 155th Ave. Crossing has vegetation on each side that will need to be removed and controlled. Crossing is equipped with lights, bells and gates. This crossing, along with CR-Y64 and Slopertown crossing have crossing signals. These will require monthly inspections and maintenance. Also, a signalman to be available for call out situations.

155th Ave Crossing To the right is photo of the 32’ long concrete crossing facing east at 155th Ave. Crossing has vegetation on each side that will need to be removed and controlled. Need to determine if Class 1 Railroad will be taking care of the inspection and maintenance on the 3 gated crossings on this line.

Slopertown Crossing To the right is photo of the 32’ long concrete crossing facing north at Slopertown Road. Crossing has vegetation on each side that will need to be removed and controlled. Crossing is equipped with lights bells and gates.

Slopertown Crossing To the right is photo of the 32’ long concrete crossing facing south at Slopertown Road. Again, vegetation will require removal.

North Siding Switch To the right is photo of the North Siding Switch. Note the target on switch stand is red and switch is lined for straight (normal) move. Target installed backwards. Switch is 136 lb #9 rigid 16’6” switch points, low star 22E switch stand and has a self guarded frog. Switch on the South Siding is the same. Both switches in the transload area are 136 lb #10 RBM with rigid 16’6” points and 22E switch stand.

Track Defect To the right is photo of a joint located on the east rail, inside bar on the 4th joint north of the transload switch. This is on the curve south of the south siding switch. Joint bar is center broken, marked with a green ribbon. Will require replacement before track to be used.

Savage Davenport Transload Track Summary Overall track infrastructure is good. Areas of concern for Savage are the gated crossings. Need to determine who will perform monthly inspections and maintenance. If this track is designated as a shortline, monthly track inspections by a qualified individual will need to be provided. A bridge inspection is likely to be required and Savage to have a bridge management program. The line will require annual weed spraying by a hirail capable vendor. There is no access to the line by vehicle.

Savage Davenport Transload If there are any questions feel free to give me a call. Jim Travers