The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

November 28, 2009

Report: $5 billion needed in freight rail upgrades

Rural freight routes can’t handle heavy train cars

By Mark Fischenich

MANKATO — Whether or not Minnesota ever adds another passenger train service, the state is facing a steep price in coming years for upgrading its rail system.

Maintaining the freight rail system at even an average level is going to cost billions of dollars, according to the nearly completed Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan.

But it’s crucial for the state’s economic future.

“For Minnesota, a strong rail system supports economic development, enhances environmental sustainability, helps to preserve the publicly owned roadway infrastructure and increases the business marketability of the state,” the report warns.

The plan looks at the condition of track, trestles, signal systems and more on the various freight lines in the state — both big and small.

For instance, the 23-mile branch line connecting Montgomery and New Prague to the Union Pacific’s Mankato line needs $10.4 million in upgrades, mainly because its 13 bridges — about one every two miles — aren’t capable of handling the weight of modern heavy rail cars.

There are big projects too, such as two that would serve the UP’s Mankato line: $44 million for a new bridge over the Mississippi River at Mendota Heights and $163 million for a Shakopee bypass to improve train speeds. All told, nearly $450 million is needed on the UP line between Mankato and the Twin Cities, the report estimates.

The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern needs more than $77 million in upgrades to bridges and track along a 98-mile section in south-central Minnesota, although the report notes that upgrades are underway by the Canadian Pacific subsidiary.

The report sets a goal of having all lines operate at speeds of at least 25 mph and with rail and bridges capable of handling 286,000-pound rail cars. Add up all the costs, and the bill is $5.1 billion. Make the lines capable of meeting freight needs and high-priority passenger service, and the price tag grows to $11.3 billion.

The report also calls for a new intermodal terminal in the Twin Cities and one or more outstate — facilities capable of loading trains with trailers and containers used in ocean shipping.

As for who should pay for the improvements, the report states: “... An approach to allocating the costs and benefits between the private railroad owners and the public sector still needs to be established.”

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