Project status
NLX corridor map, showing potential stops at Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, Superior WI and Duluth.
The Northern Lights Express is a proposed high speed passenger rail project that would provide rail service between Minneapolis and Duluth. If constructed, NLX will operate on approximately 155 miles of existing BNSF rail corridor.
What happens next?
Now that the comment period on the environmental assessment is complete, we’ll be working to respond to public comments. If the Federal Railroad Administration agrees with the findings in the EA, they will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact. Public comments and MnDOT’s responses will be included in the FONSI. Once a FONSI is issued preliminary engineering can begin. This includes preliminary design for:
- Infrastructure improvements
- Station, layover and maintenance facilities
- Grade crossings
Other things we'll study:
- Environmental analysis
- Ridership analysis
- Benefit/cost analysis
- Identification of equipment
- Financial planning documentation
- Stakeholder involvement
Once preliminary engineering is complete, we'll have all the required documentation and approvals to support final design and construction of the capital projects needed to begin passenger rail service on the NLX line. Watch this site for more information.