RailPros is pleased to announce our recent contract with Norfolk Southern’s Pipe and Wire Program.
RailPros has been awarded a contract to oversee the management of Norfolk Southern (NS) Pipe and Wire Program. The new partnership with RailPros, which begins on May 1, 2020, will transition to a fully online application management system.
“RailPros eagerly brings a dedicated team of experienced real estate professionals and railroad experts who are ready to tackle the entire life cycle of the utility permitting and construction process,” noted Renay Robison, AVP Real Estate & Development. “The RailPros team is excited to take on the comprehensive oversight of the entire process, including application intake, engineering plan review, preparation and distribution of the license agreement, and electronic collection of all application and other applicable fees.”
In addition, RailPros professionals will lead the coordination of field services such as flagging protection, construction monitoring, and post-construction inspection services. Construction monitoring, a new aspect of the NS Pipe and Wire Program, will include: a pre-construction meeting, verifying the licensee’s work plans, ensuring the construction activities are consistent with the approved license and engineering plans, and a post-construction verification meeting. The introduction of construction monitoring is designed to avoid improper utility installations and the risks they pose to NS, the community, and the licensee.
The utility permitting and coordination processes will utilize a custom, innovative, and transparent online permit and management system. The proprietary, cloud-based, web-enabled right-of-way management software provides a workflow management mechanism designed to increase efficiency and accuracy for NS and applicants alike. The online permit management system is very intuitive and easy to use. The need to exchange phone calls or emails will be virtually eliminated. Instead, the system provides real-time updates and permit status to RailPros, NS, and utility applicants.
NS and RailPros are committed to working together to ensure that the transition to the new processes and procedures is as seamless as possible. RailPros is especially committed to providing additional support during the transition period to answer questions and provide guidance.