Freight Rail Frequently Asked Questions
updated: Monday, February 06, 2012Why is rerouting freight rail being discussed?
Freight rail trains are currently operating on the east-west Bass Lake Spur and Kenilworth corridor line in St. Louis Park. TheSouthwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project has assumed that there is not room for the current freight rail and planned light rail in the Kenilworth corridor, and that freight rail would be moved.
What rail companies own and use the routes?
Twin City & Western (TC&W) is the main operator on the east-west route (Bass Lake Spur and Kenilworth) and has rights to use the north-south route (MN&S). Canadian Pacific (CP) owns the MN&S line and a portion of the Bass Lake Spur. Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA) owns a portion of the Kenilworth corridor. Click here for maps.
What are the freight rail routing options?
One option is to move the freight trains to the MN&S line that runs north-south in St. Louis Park (see www.mnsrailstudy.org). The other option is to keep the freight trains and the light rail in the Kenilworth corridor. Several other routes for freight trains were evaluated and were determined to be infeasible for a variety of reasons.
What would physically need to take place for freight trains under each option?
For the Kenilworth option, the freight tracks would need to be relocated and the light rail tracks would have to be moved from where they are currently shown in plans. The regional trail would not fit in a portion of the corridor and would have to be relocated. Some residential properties would have to be acquired to have the right-of-way necessary for this option.
Who will decide on the future route for freight trains?
Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA) is proposing the MN&S reroute, however others will be involved in the decision on the future route. The railroad companies, along with several government agencies will have to agree on a route, and then seek funding for either route. The City of St. Louis Park is a stakeholder, and has some influence on the decision.
What is the cost comparison between the alternatives?
The estimated construction and acquisition cost for the MN&S reroute is $76,672,000. The estimated cost for the Kenilworth route is $35 - $70,000,000. The variation in the range for the Kenilworth route is because it is uncertain how much property would have to be acquired for this route.
Who would pay for upgrading the routes?
Funding for upgrades or changes to the routes has not been identified. The City of St. Louis Park has gone on record saying it will not pay for re-route costs.
How many more trains will result from the reroute?
The number of trains traveling through St. Louis Park will not increase because of the reroute. The 4-6 trains per day would be shifted from the east-west route to the north-south route. The number of trains on any route depends on market conditions, which vary over time and are hard to predict.
Can trains increase without the re-route?
Yes – there are no restrictions on the amount of train traffic allowed on either route. TC&W and CP can operate on both routes in St. Louis Park.
Would an MN&S reroute include a connection to the south or could there still be switching and blocking?
As a part of the MN&S rerouting study and EAW, the wye would remain; switching, blocking and storage of rail cars does not change. Trains are not currently using the wye to go south, however they could in the future.
What would be the speed of the trains in either option?
The speed allowed in either option would be up to 25 miles per hour. Track conditions, including elevations and curves will dictate the actual speed, which is expected to be between 10-25 mph.
How fast do trains travel on the MN&S Line today?
Trains travel about 10 miles per hour on the MN&S line today.
How could a reroute affect property values?
Future changes in rail routes and traffic volume may influence property values in St. Louis Park. Proximity to railroad tracks can have an effect on property values as can proximity to freeways and other external influences. Valuation professionals such as appraisers and assessors carefully review market transactions in developing adjustment factors for external influences along with many other market attributes. Speculation on short term or long term influence can vary considerably as does the market response from individual buyers and sellers. The assessing office reports that its current annual modeling of market values varies within a range of 3-12% along rail tracks, highways and other similar external influences.
What are whistle quiet zones and who regulates them?
Whistle quiet zones are areas where safety measures are added so that train whistles would not be used at intersections. The intent is to have a quieter train operation through the community without compromising safety. Whistle Quiet Zones are regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The FRA has to approve of the proposed safety provisions before it will grant approval of a Whistle Quiet Zone.
What happens to freight rail rerouting if LRT does not happen?
It is uncertain what would happen however TC&W currently operates on a temporary arrangement with Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority on tracks that are in poor condition and need upgrading. A permanent route for TC&W trains is still needed.
Does the easement the City holds on the Golden property give the city control over a routing decision?
Further legal research is required on the easement the city holds, however it should not be assumed that the easement gives the City the final say or control over whether the freight rail reroute occurs or not.
