Advocating for a heavy rail corridor in the I-94 freeway trench https://teapaw.org/t.co/NhFIs4szI3 Discord: https://teapaw.org/t.co/wwaHzJAJnQ #RethinkingI94
Twin Cities
Joined August 2023
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#RethinkingI94 is our chance to make a generational infrastructure investment, one that will impact the Twin Cities for decades to come. So why not think big?
A heavy rail corridor will provide express service between the two downtowns and anchor our future regional network.
ALT Hypothetical map depicting the I-94 rail corridor and possible outgoing lines feeding into it
With the success of Amtrak's Borealis, and with our state's eyes set on new intercity services from Minneapolis, connecting our downtowns by heavy rail will be more important than ever.
What could this "spine" look like, and how will it fit into our growing transit network?
ALT A map of the proposed heavy rail corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul with LRT and BRT lines shown in the station area insets for context
🎉Congrats to @MetroTransitMN and everyone who worked on the @GoldLineBRT project!
The festivities were amazing, and the buses were packed! Looking forward to the Minneapolis extension in just a few short years
ALT Bus rapid transit vehicles on the opening day of Metro Transit's Gold Line in St. Paul
Have thoughts on the expansion of passenger rail in Minnesota? MnDOT is hosting more public engagement opportunities seeking input on its State Rail Plan!
More info below for Duluth, Rochester, Moorhead, and St. Paul:
talk.dot.state.mn.us/state-r…
Article: Caltrain's electrification project is paying off big-time
"Although the electric trains still reach the same top speed as diesel ones — 79 mph — they start and stop much faster, saving riders time."
sfgate.com/travel/article/ca…
I-94 Rail Coalition retweeted
The METRO Gold Line is coming to Minneapolis! Opening in 2027, the Gold Line Extension will bring frequent, all-day service to the I-94 corridor between Woodbury and Minneapolis. Learn more about what’s in store here: metrotransit.org/metro-gold-…
ALT A Gold Line bus stop with a sign that reads, "Gold Line service arrives here March 2025."
“[Regional rail] also offers Minnesotans a chance to decrease their taxes in the long term. Minnesota spends $4.3 billion a year on road repairs… By investing in rail now, we have a chance to save in the long run through decreased expenditures on roads.”
minnpost.com/community-voice…
🗺️Map Update!
With our new animated icons, you can visualize how regional trains would utilize the I-94 rail spine to speed up trips within the cities and across the metro.
Check it out on our website!
i94railcoalition.neocities.o…
The emphasis on regional connectivity is encouraging —and exactly what needs to be considered within the scope of this generational project.
Rethinking I-94 has impacts far beyond the seven-mile corridor.
I-94 Rail Coalition retweeted
The Minneapolis City Council says MnDOT plans to reconstruct I-94 between the Twin Cities’ downtowns can’t include expanding the interstate, and should consider removing it. sahanjournal.com/news/minnea…
Did you know? 🧵
Most electric trains use overhead wire for power. But some models — like Stadler's FLIRT Akku — can run under battery power on non-electrified track.
With an electrified I-94 rail spine, trains like this could charge while running under wire. This means...
And anchoring this network to an electrified, state-owned, purpose-built passenger rail spine will lay the foundation for future electrification projects throughout the Twin Cities metro area and the state of Minnesota.
🚨Survey alert!
MnDOT wants to hear from you! What are your priorities for the expansion of passenger rail in Minnesota? What do you want to see as the State Rail Plan advances? Where would you go with fast, frequent, reliable passenger service?
talk.dot.state.mn.us/state-r…