Southern Rail Corridor — Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southern Rail Corridor?
The Southern Rail Corridor (SRC) is a proposed 48.3 mile freight rail line, which would safely and efficiently accommodate increasing freight traffic in the region. The route takes freight traffic through sparsely populated areas of Dodge and Olmsted counties, avoiding downtown Rochester, Minn., where current track run within yards of Mayo Clinic.
The line through Rochester is run by Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Rail Co., (DM&E), which operates mainly in South Dakota and Minnesota. DM&E was purchased by Canadian Pacific Railway in September 2008.
The route is a starting point for planning and discussions with landowners and elected officials. Over time, and through extensive study and outreach, government authorities will determine a final route.
Click the image below to navigate the interactive map of the proposed route created by the engineering firm. Trouble navigating the interactive map? Click here to read user-friendly instructions (PDF).
How did this route come about?
Gannett Fleming Transit and Rail Systems — an engineering firm specializing in evaluation, site planning and design — researched and determined the route as a first step in the process to secure federal and state funding for rail infrastructure improvements. Much of the line coincides with the abandoned Chicago Great Western Railroad bed.
The report, released in May 2009, was done in cooperation with Canadian Pacific Railway, Olmsted County, the City of Rochester, and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.
The line through Rochester is run by DM&E, which operates mainly in South Dakota and Minnesota. DM&E was purchased by Canadian Pacific Railway in September 2008.
The route is a starting point for planning and discussions with landowners and elected officials. Over time, and through extensive study and outreach, government authorities will determine a final route.
What will the Southern Rail Corridor cost?
Estimates by Gannett Fleming indicate that the Southern Rail Corridor will cost roughly $325 million. This includes design, construction and purchase of right-of-way. Regional leaders are working with state and federal officials to establish funding for the corridor.
What support does this proposal have?
Olmsted County commissioners as well as State and Federal legislators, including Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Tim Walz, support of the Southern Minnesota Rail Corridor.
Rep. Walz on the Southern Rail Corridor
Minnesota State Representative Tim Walz speaks about the Southern Rail Corridor at a Rochester Chamber of Commerce meeting held Monday, July 21, 2009.
Why do we need a Southern Rail Corridor?
The Southern Rail Corridor is important for the long-term viability of Rochester as an economic engine for Minnesota and the southern region of the state. The Southern Rail Corridor can accommodate increased freight capacity to meet long-term rail needs and to address safety concerns related to the movement of high-density freight traffic and hazardous material shipments.
How will the Southern Rail Corridor affect freight line capacity and scheduling?
Whether constructed as a double track or a side track with adequate passing sidings, simulation at 40 mph show the Southern Rail Corridor would dramatically reduce train delays – making room for increased traffic with fewer delays. Trains would be able to maintain speeds of 40 to 60 mph along the entire route. Now, DM&E freight trains must slow to 10 mph in some areas within Rochester.
What does the Southern Rail Corridor have to do with the high-speed passenger rail?
The Southern Rail Corridor would reroute freight train traffic around downtown Rochester, increasing speed and capacity for freight in the region. The Southern Rail Corridor was not planned as a passenger line. However, any rail line expansion increases flexibility in planning for future passenger service.
Why develop the Southern Rail Corridor now?
Funds have been set aside in the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to develop 21st century rail infrastructure. Investments made now will benefit Rochester and southern Minnesota for years to come and will ensure the community's long-term economic viability. Community leaders have an obligation to take advantage of this rare opportunity to enhance the region's infrastructure while ensuring the long-term economic viability for years to come.
How long will it take to build the Southern Rail Corridor?
The Southern Rail Corridor is projected to be ready in 2016. Following the completion of planning, land acquisition and environmental review, construction will take about 4.5 years.
How will landowners be affected and protected?
This route is a proposal, not a final plan. Public input and dialogue will be very important to help determine the exact location of the Southern Rail Corridor. State and county government will work collaboratively with landowners to best address their concerns and to minimize the overall impact throughout all phases of the process.
A landowner advisory council is convening to help facilitate communications with landowners on or near the proposed route. For information on the advisory council, contact Jim Bier, Olmsted County commissioner, at bier.jim@co.olmsted.mn.us.
How are community members involved in this process?
Discussions with local government and community leaders, landowners, businesses and interested individuals are underway. Representatives from the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance are available to speak to community groups. Contact info@SEMNRail.org.
Hasn't the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) ruled against this route?
No, the Southern Rail Corridor route is different than the previously proposed route around Rochester. It avoids the environmental issues raised by the STB on the previous alternative.
