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December 28, 1999
City signsDM& EagreementSome concernsstill remainBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- A proposed coal train through New Ulm was approved by the city council last week, despite some unaddressed concerns, leaving only three Minnesota cities left to sign an agreement. The agreement basically states that officials with Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad can begin the process of upgrading or improving all railroad crossings through New Ulm. "The agreement includes details of every crossing that will be improved prior to construction of the coal train," DM& E Engineering Supervisor Beth Lynn said. "We detailed the crossings rather than having a blanket agreement across the board, because each crossing is different based upon traffic flow." Rochester, Owatonna and Eagle Lake are still in negotiations with the railroad. Mankato, who had voiced much opposition to the route, stating they wanted a bypass constructed, signed the agreement several months ago, as did Springfield and Sleepy Eye, Lynn said. "There are still some issues to be addressed, but for the most part we are happy with the agreement," City Manager Richard Salvati said. One concern is the crossing at Tower Road, which is used by city trucks hauling propane. The crossing has a limited line-of-site area and needed some type of protection. There is currently just a sign at that crossing. The city wanted it upgraded to flashing red lights once the project begins. "There is not much traffic at that crossing," Salvati said. "Railroad officials will not agree to a major upgrade, but we cannot be whistle-free without controlled access." Other areas of concern included the mitigation of noise, which will be studied to determine if New Ulm should become whistle-free; and Third South Street, which the city wanted upgraded at the beginning of the project. Railroad officials will leave the issue open for further study once the project begins. The city wants flashing red lights with gates installed at the site. The purpose of the agreement is to improve existing conditions; minimize negative environmental impacts, maximize economic impacts, provide a more efficient rail service, and foster a partnership in the project. The city, according to the agreement, can terminate the agreement at any time without approval by DM&E. Railroad officials are determined to develop a system-wide safety implementation plan that will address physical improvements, technological improvements, training, public safety and awareness, the agreement states. The railroad will fund all improvements needed to maintain safety at the crossings. All needs that will help the city become whistle-free in the future, such as gates, foundations and pedestals for lights, will be included in the project. If the City Council determines New Ulm should be whistle-free, the railroad will fund all improvements, according to the agreement. Crossing details included in the agreement are: * The 20th South Street crossing will be upgraded with gates and lights at the beginning of the project. * The 16th South Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights at the beginning of the project. * The 12th South Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights and gates at the beginning of the project. * The Seventh South Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights at the beginning of the project. * The First South Street crossing will be upgraded to include gates and lights at the beginning of the project. * The New Ulm Yard and siding area will be cleaned up and unused tracks will be removed. Train meets conducted at the site will be done at one of the sidings out of town after they are constructed to the maximum extent possible. Utilization of the yard and sidings for non-local traffic will be reduced significantly. * The Center Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights at the start of the project. * The First North Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights at the beginning of the project. * The Third North Street crossing will be upgraded to include lights at the beginning of the project. * The Sixth North Street underpass. Railroad officials will maintain existing clearances and will do whatever is possible to help the city make the underpass suitable for light vehicular traffic. Railroad officials will maintain the existing rail structure bridge and will work with the city to enhance the roadway and will grant a reasonable construction easement. * Valley Street property fencing will be installed along a row opposite the houses along the street. * The 12th North Street underpass will be carefully assessed during the engineering phase to determine if clearances can be improved. * The 17th North Street and Minnesota Street crossings will be upgraded to include lights and gates at the beginning of the project and will continue to work with the city as experience develops at the crossing. * The 19th North Street underpass will not be filled in. * The Boundary Street crossing will be upgraded to include gates and lights at the beginning of the project. * The crossing surfaces will be upgraded by railroad officials by ensuring that all crossing surfaces shall have high quality state-of-the-art surfaces prior to the movement of unit coal trains through New Ulm. * Fencing and sound barriers will be installed by railroad officials in residential areas exposed to children in the immediate area or in other heavy pedestrian traffic area throughout the city, as agreed by the City Engineer. No reasonable request will be denied. * The Minnesota and St. Louis underpass shall be maintained by the city sufficient for pedestrian access, despite being unrelated to the DM&E project.
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