Passenger Rail

Northstar Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Assessment

A study to extend Northstar commuter rail service to St. Cloud was conducted by MnDOT and Metro Transit at the direction of the Minnesota State legislature during its 2019 session. The final report is attached along with several appendices to the final report. In addition, a two-page summary of the study findings is attached.

• Consultant letter revising potential schedule (PDF)
• Northstar Extension two-page summary of results 2020-7-31 (PDF)
• Northstar Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Assessment - Summary Report (PDF)
• Appendix A – Technical Memorandum on Existing Constraints (PDF)
• Appendix B – Technical Memorandum on Operating Assumptions for the Minimum Service Alternative (PDF)
• Appendix C – Technical Memorandum on Operating Assumptions for the Minimum Bi‐Directional Service Alternative (PDF)
• Appendix D – Technical Memorandum on Operating Assumptions for the Northstar Express Service Alternative (PDF)
• Appendix E – Technical Memorandum on Operating Assumptions for the Bi‐Directional Service Alternative (PDF)
• Appendix F – Technical Memorandum on Rail Operations Modeling (PDF)
• Appendix G – Technical Memorandum on Conceptual Engineering (PDF)
• Appendix H – Technical Memorandum on Capital Cost Estimates (PDF)
• Appendix I – Technical Memorandum on Capital Cost Estimating Methodology (PDF)
• Appendix J – Technical Memorandum on Operating and Maintenance Costs (PDF)