5.1. PCSR 08-24-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I. g y,, y Freight Freight traffic is an essential component of a successful Evaluate Potential Conflict local economy.For many communities,freight traffic between Downtown movement is predominantly limited to a truck and roadway system issue.In Elk River,the BNSF railroad is Development and the Proposed a defining element of the community and it represents BNSF Railroad Realignment another major avenue for freight movement. The vision MnDOT created for a four-lane freeway west of Railroads often offer the most cost-competitive option Highway 169 depends in part on the northward realign- for local companies to move raw goods and final products ment of the BNSF railroad tracks.As part of the relocation, across the country.The BNSF Railway is the lone railroad approximately 13 acres of new right-of-way acquisition providing service through Elk River.Running roughly would be required,including several residences and parallel to Highway 10,the BNSF is a Class I railroad that commercial properties.The realignment would result in provides freight service connections from the west coast changes to access and travel patterns on either side of the of the United States to Chicago.The most recent available railroad.As Elk River explores redevelopment options in data from MnDOT(January 2015)indicate that approxi- and especially north of the downtown area,evaluation of mately 54 trains per day use the BNSF railroad segment any potential conflicts with the proposed railroad realign- through Elk River,reaching maximum speeds of 79 miles ment should be considered. per hour. BNSF tracks transect the local street network throughout Elk River.Nowhere is this more evident than in Downtown. At-grade crossings located at Main Street and Jackson Avenue become physical barriers to accessing the central business district.Additionally,trains consistently disrupt local traffic causing travel delays and creating safety concerns for pedestrians or bicyclists attempting to cross the tracks.Peak hour congestion due to traffic on Highway 10 becomes further exacerbated by the adjacent BNSF railroad tracks.Besides creating congestion and safety concerns on the local street system,it also reduces reli- ability of the local road network for on-road freight carriers to businesses and residences. 94 Transportation&Mobility Plan Elk River Comprehensive Plan DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY