High-speed Duluth-Minneapolis rail line could cost nearly $1 billion

[The Northerner]

MINNEAPOLIS — State officials say the cost of the proposed high-speed rail line from Minneapolis to Duluth has climbed to nearly $1 billion, much higher than its supporters have estimated.

Proponents of the Northern Lights Express have pegged the cost at $615 million.

MnDOT project manager Dave Christianson says that after identifying “shortcomings in the system,” the state believes the cost could run as high as $990 million.

The Star Tribune says consultants from MnDOT and the Northern Lights Express need to reach an agreement on the cost of the rail line in the next several weeks so the state can submit an application for federal funding, which could pay for as much as 80 percent of the project.

Forty other states are competing for federal dollars.

Source: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/153419/group/home/

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Why to Duluth? Wouldn't Eau Claire or Madison make more sense?

Is there really that much traffic between Duluth and Minneapolis?

Or is it more about hauling cargo that comes in on ship to Duluth?


Just seems that we'd want high speed in areas with dense population first, and then bring it to the hinterlands.

[kickysnana]

6. No there is not that much traffic that doesn't need a car on that end.

I have a neighbor that has kids North of Duluth and he takes the bus up there and it is usually mostly empty. There is a shuttle that runs between the Twin Cities, Hinkly and Duluth daily. No idea how much that costs. I looked into the bus because I go up there once every couple months but I could not get up there in the morning and get back in the evening.

Once you get up there you need a car. Duluth is one gigantic hill.

My opinion is it is another boondoggle. Why not put the money into bus service that runs when people could use it?

[WorseBeforeBetter]

2. Aren't we building a $2.5 BILLION road in Afghanistan?

I'd rather have high-speed rail in Minnesota. And a finished 540 (and numerous bike paths) in North Carolina with some of the leftover.

[Brickbat]

3. I've heard from another source that this is actually the statewide rail plan. It's not just the

corridor between the Cities and Duluth, but also Rochester and Mankato and so on. The corridor from Duluth to Mpls is estimated at $615 million.

[saltpoint]

4. I don't give a shit what it costs. I'm for it. Fund it, build it, get it done.

[gristy]

5. Yeah. What you said. You betcha!

Build it!