Elected officials tout grade separation proposal in Moorhead, MN
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and local elected officials visited the site of a proposed $42-million grade-separation project in Moorhead.
The current intersection poses a public safety risk and causes regular delays for area residents and businesses. The project is one of the largest included in Gov. Mark Dayton’s 2016 Jobs Bill, which would make a total investment of $124 million in rail safety projects across Minnesota.
Five active freight rail lines run through the city of Moorhead, including two at the site of this intersection, at Main Ave and 21st Street. These five lines carried an average of 85 trains a day in 2014, including those carrying crude oil from North Dakota. Due to the current layout of the streets and train tracks, it is not even possible to install railroad gates at the current intersection.
This investment would also enhance public safety by ensuring that emergency response vehicles – including police and fire vehicles – could reach those in need without being delayed by trains crossing the intersection.
“Every day, Moorhead families, businesses and first responders waste time and risk their safety at this intersection,” said Lt. Gov. Smith. “Gov. Dayton’s Jobs Bill would finally fix this rail crossing, making the community safer and the economy stronger.”
