53 replies to this topic

[Sloan]

http://www.rail.co/2...eives-5m-grant/

Is this truly high speed rail or higher speed rail?

Sloan

[Sloan]

Formerly classified as commuter in previous postings, Northern Lights Express seems to fit a Keystone category so I have posted in this slot. Kevin has also noted that this proposed service is intercity not commuter. Sloan

FRA issues FONSI for NLX rail project

The Northern Lights Express (NLX), a proposed intercity passenger service between Minneapolis and Duluth, Minn., may proceed to preliminary engineering after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Tier 1 Service Level Environmental Assessment.

http://www.rtands.co...nt=Full Article

[KevinKorell]

Correct, even though the article I'm about to post calls it high speed rail, which is surely won't be. From Progressive Railroading, 9/13/13:

FRA signs off on environmental work for Minneapolis-Duluth high-speed rail project

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has found "no significant impact" on the Tier 1 Service Level Environmental Assessment for the proposed Minneapolis-to-Duluth high-speed rail service known as the Northern Lights Express (NLX).

This one

[KevinKorell]

Northland News Center, 4/3/14:

High speed rail project between Duluth and Twin Cities closer to construction

The proposed high speed rail between the Twin Ports and the Twin Cities is inching closer to construction.

More

[Sloan]

If all goes as planned, groundbreaking on the Northern Lights Express could start in 2016.

Excellent! Union Station needs more trains.

Sloan

[KevinKorell]

Excellent! Union Station needs more trains.

That's IF they plan to send the NLX to St. Paul Union Depot. Being a city to city train, they might opt to send it into Target Field Station since it's not going beyond the Twin Cities. Of course that would present a problem with connectivity to the Empire Builder, which would be on the other end of the Metro Transit Green Line LRT.

[Sloan]

Plans for $1B rail line from Minneapolis to Duluth chugging along

Estimated project costs have tripled, corridor counties have defected and key proponents were politically ousted. Yet, the proposed $1 billion passenger-rail line from Minneapolis to Duluth remains on track for federal funding that could cover 80 percent of the project’s expenses, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

http://www.startribu...DpDbMYWBAOoE.97

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 11/21/14:

Open houses slated for proposed Minneapolis-Duluth high-speed rail service

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host four open houses next month to solicit public input and answer questions on the proposed Northern Lights Express (NLX) high-speed rail line between Minneapolis and Duluth, Minn.

Here is more.

[KevinKorell]

ABC Newspapers, 5/15/15:

 

Planning continues for Northern Lights Express

 

 

Planning work continues on the proposed Northern Lights Express rail project from Minneapolis to Duluth-Superior through Anoka County.

 

Full story

[KevinKorell]

Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN, 12/16/15:

 

Planners cut costs in order to make Minneapolis-to-Duluth rail link a reality

A little more than four years from now, state-of-the-art passenger trains could be travelling between the Twin Ports and Twin Cities four times a day, bringing riders to Target Field Station in 2-1/2 hours for a fare of between $30 and $32.​

 

Read more here.