FM Metro railroad study outlines overpass and other crossing improvements affecting four Clay County locations

HDR project manager Dan Bergeson briefed the Clay County Board of Commissioners on a regional FM Metro railroad needs study that evaluated 15 crossings across the area and identified preferred alternatives for four locations in Clay County.

At the Dilworth Main Street crossing, HDR recommended study and early coordination on a long‑range overpass at 14th Street that could ultimately support a four‑lane structure and tie into the Heartland Trail. Bergeson said the proposed overpass is a planning‑level alternative and noted Minnesota Department of Transportation coordination, including consideration of a future roundabout at Highway 10 and 14th.

For the 40th Avenue South location near Highway 52, HDR’s preferred alternative included widening the roadway, adding a turn lane and shoulders to improve bicycle and pedestrian access, and upgrading railroad warning devices to meet quiet‑zone standards if desired.

Bergeson also described a preferred long‑range overpass alternative near 50th Avenue and additional crossing improvements on 60th Avenue South, and said the team used a multiple account evaluation — weighting benefits such as emergency‑service access, community impacts and benefit‑cost ratios — to prioritize alternatives.

When commissioners asked about train activity, Bergeson cited Federal Railroad Administration data and said the 50th Avenue location records about eight trains per day. He said BNSF paid the local match for the federally funded study and explained the railroad’s interest: in some other regions rapid development can leave insufficient room to make later improvements, so the railroad wants early planning input.

The study team said the final draft report is available on the FM Metro COG website and encouraged jurisdictions and stakeholders to review the preferred alternatives and the evaluation methodology.