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fHE MASTER PLA <br />~~ t ~~yy~_ <br />Y¢ <br />=- <br />~.. i' n,~r~ be needed in the future <br />to accomodate increased demand for the Northstar <br />commuter rail. <br />rail crossing should be considered at <br />Avenue <br />TRANSIT SYSTEM <br />Northstar Commuter Rail Station <br />The Northstar commuter rail is seen as a plus for growth in the district, but not a <br />primary driver for change. As the system matures and ridership grows it is important <br />the station meets the demands of the patrons. Adequate parking will be a necessity. <br />While the current lot provides 70o spaces, additional space may be needed in the <br />future. A parking deck or ramp structure should be considered for the station in <br />consideration with mixed-use development before more surface parking spaces are <br />added since little land exists for development immediately adjacent to the station. <br />Providing adequate facilities for bike commuting are also suggested. Bike lockers <br />allow a safe, secure location for commuters to store their bikes. A well integrated trail <br />system will further promote bike commuting to the Northstar station. <br />Community Circulator Bus <br />With the potential for more increased reverse commute trains, the city of Elk River <br />should examine the feasibility of a community circulator bus to work in concert with <br />the Northstar schedule. The circulator would connect community employment <br />centers, downtown and commercial centers to the Northstar station eliminating the <br />need for the automobile for some commuters. <br />Rail Line <br />The master plan suggests providing an additional crossing of the BNSF rail line near <br />73rd Avenue. This additional crossing will allow for improved traffic flow for the <br />commercial and industrial uses in the north of the study, rather than funneling all trafFic <br />to Twin Lakes Parkway to cross the rail line. As the city lobbies to shift the rail line <br />north near downtown, the city should investigate the feasibility of either an at-grade <br />or grade separated crossing in this location. <br />The opportunity for a rail spur off of a major freight rail corridor could be significant <br />for industrial uses in the FAST. The master plan suggests a parallel spur line to serve <br />the industrial uses surrounding the RDF plant. <br />Tl'13t. QV@r1U2 Focused Area STudy <br />Bike lockers allow a secure location for commuters to <br />store their bikes <br />A circulator bus would connect other key activity <br />centers in Elk River with the Northstar station <br />