Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Dayton wants railroads’ help with crossings

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

CoonRapids

Gov. Mark Dayton said a big investment is needed to upgrade some railway crossings throughout the state, a cost the railroads should share.

“Unfortunately, given the nature of the physical improvements, it’s going to take some time and some serious money to make these improvements at grade crossings," Dayton said.  "To change those at $15 million to $30 million a piece, that’s very expensive.”

The DFL governor held a roundtable discussion Monday in the northern Twin Cities suburb of Coon Rapids, where concern is growing over train slowdowns that frequently block key intersections along Highway 10. Officials from nearby cities made similar complaints.

Coon Rapids Mayor-Elect Jerry Koch said emergency vehicles often get blocked by slow-moving trains.

“We just really need to figure out a way to quit parking the trains in town here," Koch added.

Coon Rapids Fire Chief John Piper said he recently met with BNSF Railway officials to discuss the issue, but the problem seems to be getting worse.

"It's having a dramatic effect on our public safety response times," Piper said.

After the meeting, Dayton said the there’s been a lack of responsiveness from the railroads to the problem.

The governor plans to unveil a transportation proposal during the 2015 Legislative session that will include rail projects. He said legislation requiring railroads to share the cost may be needed if they don’t come forward voluntarily. The session begins January 6.

Brian Sweeney, a lobbyist with BNSF who also attended the meeting in Coon Rapids, said his railroad has a major capital investment underway to improve the flow of train traffic.

“Ultimately, the problem is going to be solved by building more capacity,” Sweeney said.