Northstar Construction Update - January 31

The contract for Northstar Commuter Rail station construction has been awarded to Knutson Construction Services, Inc. Knutson Construction is a locally based company with headquarters in Minneapolis. They will be constructing commuter rail stations in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka and Coon Rapids. Construction is expected to start this Spring. Details on station construction and related events – including open houses and groundbreaking ceremonies – will be included in future construction updates.

This week, Northstar is continuing construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Connection in downtown Minneapolis and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Big Lake. Details on upcoming construction activities are included below.

Downtown Minneapolis – Light Rail Transit (LRT) Connection

• Reconstruction of the south half of the 5th Street North bridge over I-394 continues. One lane of eastbound traffic will be maintained on the north side of the bridge during demolition and reconstruction.
• There will be lane restrictions, as needed, on inbound and outbound I-394 during bridge reconstruction. All lane restrictions will take place on weekends and at non-peak hours on weekdays.
  • Inbound (eastbound) lane restrictions may be in place weekdays between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM
  • Outbound (westbound) lane restrictions may be in place weekdays between 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• Electical conduit continues to be installed beneath the 5th Street North bridge over the BNSF train tracks.

City of Big Lake – Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• There are no anticipated traffic impacts related to VMF construction in the coming week.
• Electrical and plumbing work and concrete pouring continues inside the VMF and train wash building.
• The office area floor of the VMF is scheduled to be poured in the near future.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Northstar construction or any other aspect of the Project, please contact Jonathan Blake at 651-366-5840 or by e-mail at jonathan.blake@mnrail.org. Please also visit Northstar online at http://www.mn-getonboard.com/.

For information on the new Minnesota Twins Ballpark, which is being constructed adjacent to Northstar’s downtown Minneapolis construction site, visit the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) website at http://www.ballparkauthority.com/ or call 612-543-PARK. The MBA can provide you with information relating to construction of the Twins Ballpark and resulting traffic impacts.

Construction Site Photos

Hiawatha LRT Connection

Electrical conduit installation on 5th Street North bridge over BNSF train tracks (Jan. 23, 2008)

Vehicle Maintenance Facility

Service bay inspection pit beign formed at the VMF (Jan. 22, 2008)