Northstar Commuter Rail Project Breaks Ground for Big Lake Station

All Northstar stations to be complete in time for late 2009 start of commuter rail service

Public officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail gathered today to break ground for the Big Lake Station, which will be located south of Highway 10 and the BNSF Railway train tracks and along County Road 43.

The ceremony was the second of four planned for Northstar’s suburban stations. The Northstar Project construction season kicked off on April 29 at the Coon Rapids Station site.  A ceremony in Anoka is scheduled for 5 p.m. on May 19, followed by an Elk River event later this summer.  Work on the Minneapolis station and the extension of the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Line to meet up with Northstar in downtown Minneapolis began last summer and continues to make steady progress.

The Big Lake groundbreaking ceremony is an occasion to celebrate the significant progress Northstar has made, according to Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) Vice Chair Ewald Petersen.

“The reality of how far this project has come is owed to the dedicated officials from Big Lake and other Northstar Corridor communities, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, and federal and state policy makers,” Petersen said. “Today marked another milestone in Minnesota’s transportation history.  Let’s get ready to ride the state’s first commuter rail line in 2009!”

Past and present NCDA members, elected officials, chamber of commerce members, representatives from BNSF Railway, transportation officials and other Northstar supporters were invited to participate in the Big Lake event.

Many officials also participated in a tour of the Northstar Vehicle Maintenance Facility, which is under construction east of the station site. The facility consists of a two-story service and repair building, as well as a wash bay. Trains will be inspected and stored in the facility.

Construction on the facility began last summer. Its structure is fully enclosed and work crews are currently installing piping and ductwork.

“The persistence of everyone involved in the Northstar Project is paying off,” said Big Lake City Council and NCDA Member Chuck Heitz.  “Already we’re seeing evidence of the important role Big Lake will play in the state’s first commuter rail line — as the location of the final northbound station and the maintenance site for Northstar trains.”

Visible progress also has been made at the station site. Knutson Construction of Minneapolis has installed fencing and is continuing grading work for the station platform and parking area. The site is located south of the train tracks and across County Road 43 from the current transit park-and-ride lot.

The station will be complete in time for the beginning of Northstar service in late 2009 and will feature:

• A surface parking lot with space for 518 vehicles
• Automated ticket and Metro Transit Go-To card kiosks
• On-demand heating in covered and enclosed platform shelters
• Bicycle lockers
• Fully ADA compliant platforms and trains
• Security cameras on the platforms, and well-lit parking and station facilities

The Northstar Commuter Rail Station and Vehicle Maintenance Facility are welcomed additions to the city’s infrastructure, according to Big Lake Mayor Don Orrock.

“We’re pleased to be the last stop on the Northstar line and the maintenance center when trains begin service next year,” Orrock said  “Northstar Commuter Rail will give residents from Big Lake and the entire region a faster, more reliable and affordable way to connect to the Twin Cities.  We’re confident the addition of this smart transit alternative will lead to new business investments in our community as well.”

About the Northstar Commuter Rail Project

Northstar Commuter Rail will provide service starting in late 2009 on the 40-mile segment of existing track along Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. Northstar trains will offer commuter service during prime morning and evening week day rush hours, as well as regular weekend service and some special event service.

The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) is a joint powers board of 30 governmental entities representing counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the Northstar Corridor, which covers an 80-mile stretch from downtown Minneapolis to St. Cloud.

For more information about the Northstar Commuter Rail Project, please visit
http://www.mn-getonboard.com/.

Big Lake Groundbreaking Photos

Big Lake, Sherburne County and Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) public officials gather May 6 to break ground on the Big Lake Northstar Commuter Rail station. From left to right: Arne Engstrom, Sherburne County Commissioner and NCDA member; Jeanne Mason, Spring Lake Park City Councilor and NCDA member; Ewald Petersen, Sherburne County Commissioner and NCDA Vice Chair; Dick Backlund, Big Lake City Councilor; Don Orrock, Big Lake Mayor; Dan Erhart, Anoka County Commissioner and NCDA Chair; Lori Kampa, Big Lake City Councilor; Chuck Heitz, Big Lake City Councilor and NCDA member; Felix Schmiesing, Sherburne County Commissioner and NCDA member.

A crowd of more than 80 Northstar supporters, public officials and news reporters gather at the site of the future Northstar Commuter Rail station in Big Lake to participate in and witness the groundbreaking ceremony.