6.5. SR 07-18-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Introduction The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter rail service along a 40-mile corridor from Downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minnesota parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail tracks owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and include 6 stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 5,600 passengers per day by the year 2025. The rail line will have inter-modal connections to bus transit and to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The Northstar connection to LRT consists of a four-block extension on the north end of the Hiawatha LR T to reach the Downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station. With the exception of the Downtown Minneapolis station, all of the stations will have park and ride facilities. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), the grantee, is working closely with its partners, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and the Metropolitan Council, to deliver the Northstar Project. Since the last written report to the Federal Transit Administration (FT A), dated May 2005, the following occurred: . Project staffing changes . A series of decisions have been made to enable design to proceed . Second coordination meeting on Twins baseball stadium . FT A is conducting a procurement system review . The Project is submitting a series of materials to FTA to seek a "Recommended" rating and approval for entry into final design . A design agreement was reached with BNSF . The Project selected a firm for risk management services · Community and public meetings have been held regarding Northstar II. Project Milestones The following table lists the major milestones in the development and ongoing implementation of the Northstar project. Northstar Corridor Monthly Report June 17,2005 3 ,t~~ -';(IIDBTHSTAR alllllllD IUIll