MnDOT recommends bridge grade separation for troublesome crossing

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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The grade crossing between BNSF and Highway 47 (Ferry St.) in Anoka, Minn.
MnDOT

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has completed a study into grade separation options at the state's worst ranked grade crossing and has recommended an overpass option.

Following 10 months of study, MnDOT released a feasibility study outlining recommendations for a new Highway 47 (Ferry Street) BNSF Railroad crossing in the city of Anoka.

The study was the result of numerous meetings with local officials, businesses and the public to gather input and ideas to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and trains.

The at-grade railroad crossing in Anoka, just north of Highway 10, averages about 18,300 vehicles each day with up to 80 train crossings a day for an average of one train every 24 minutes. MnDOT says that in addition to public safety concerns, the crossing also contributes to delays and backups for motorists while trains are crossing, along with limited visibility and driveway entrances located too close to the crossing.

The study looked at two alternatives, these included building a bridge over the railroad or lowering the road beneath the railroad alignment. The study recommendation is to build a multi-span bridge over the railroad at the current location of the Highway 47 crossing. The overpass is estimated to cost between $17 million and $21 million in 2020 dollars.

The proposed bridge, currently unfunded, would include two travel lanes with a multi-use trail on the east side. It would be designed to allow for construction of an additional two lanes if Highway 47 is expanded in the future.

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