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Freight <br />Freight traffic is an essential component of a successful <br />local economy. For many communities, freight traffic <br />movement is predominantly limited to a truck and <br />roadway system issue. In Elk River, the BNSF railroad is <br />a defining element of the community and it represents <br />another major avenue for freight movement. <br />Railroads often offer the most cost -competitive option <br />for local companies to move raw goods and final products <br />across the country. The BNSF Railway is the lone railroad <br />providing service through Elk River. Running roughly <br />parallel to Highway 10, the BNSF is a Class I railroad that <br />provides freight service connections from the west coast <br />of the United States to Chicago. The most recent available <br />data from MnDOT (January 2015) indicate that approxi- <br />mately 54 trains per day use the BNSF railroad segment <br />through Elk River, reaching maximum speeds of 79 miles <br />per hour. <br />BNSF tracks transect the local street network throughout <br />Elk River. Nowhere is this more evident than in downtown <br />area. At -grade crossings located at Main Street and Jackson <br />Avenue become physical barriers to accessing the central <br />business district. Additionally, trains consistently disrupt <br />local traffic causing travel delays and creating safety <br />concerns for pedestrians or bicyclists attempting to cross <br />the tracks. Peak hour congestion due to traffic on Highway <br />10 becomes further exacerbated by the adjacent BNSF <br />railroad tracks. Besides creating congestion and safety <br />concerns on the local street system, it also reduces reli- <br />ability of the local road network for on -road freight carriers <br />to businesses and residences. <br />Evaluate Potential Conflict <br />between Downtown <br />Development and the Proposed <br />BNSF Railroad Realignment <br />The vision MnDOT created for a four -lane freeway west of <br />Highway 169 depends in part on the northward realign- <br />ment of the BNSF railroad tracks. As part of the relocation, <br />approximately 13 acres of new right-of-way acquisition <br />would be required, including several residences and <br />commercial properties. The realignment would result in <br />changes to access and travel patterns on either side of the <br />railroad. As Elk River explores redevelopment options in <br />and especially north of the downtown area, evaluation of <br />any potential conflicts with the proposed railroad realign- <br />ment should be considered. <br />94 <br />Transportation & Mobility Plan • Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />I01A-11aa9i1M0:LV/l: LVAVKOI01VA <br />