State Rail Plan

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The State Rail Plan is a mode-specific plan that builds on the Minnesota GO vision. We're updating our State Rail Plan to guide the development of Minnesota’s rail system for the next 20 years. We're committed to hearing from everyone in Minnesota about the value and impact of railroads as an element of the state's Multimodal Transportation System.


What we've done

  • This project is unique among MnDOT's family of plans as it does not have a dedicated source of funding. Planners have identified several sources we believe can support the process.
  • A 45-day comment period generated several considerations for the final draft of our Public Engagement Plan (PDF). We implemented changes to the draft of the public engagement plan to incorporate these suggestions, including:
    1. Clarify definitions of terms.
    2. Enhance an explanation for how we plan to develop advisory committee membership.
    3. Consider options to optimize public meeting attendance.
    4. Ensure statewide opportunities for public involvement (Geographic balance, level of engagement)
    5. Identify what Tribal Nations reside within or adjacent to freight rail corridors in the Public Engagement Plan.

Where we are now, and what's coming down the tracks

  • A tentative budget has been defined and a solicitation for consultant support is in process.
  • MnDOT will evaluate responses to a solicitation for consultant support that is due early March, 2023.
  • Kickoff of the State Rail Plan's development is anticipated for late April, 2023.
  • Public engagement to support the development of the State Rail Plan will begin after the consultants are brought on board.
  • The State Rail Plan update is due within two years of adoption of the Statewide Multimodal System Plan (SMTP), in December 2024.

Want to be involved?

The State Rail Plan is a mode-specific plan that builds on the Minnesota GO vision. We're updating our State Rail Plan to guide the development of Minnesota’s rail system for the next 20 years. We're committed to hearing from everyone in Minnesota about the value and impact of railroads as an element of the state's Multimodal Transportation System.


What we've done

  • This project is unique among MnDOT's family of plans as it does not have a dedicated source of funding. Planners have identified several sources we believe can support the process.
  • A 45-day comment period generated several considerations for the final draft of our Public Engagement Plan (PDF). We implemented changes to the draft of the public engagement plan to incorporate these suggestions, including:
    1. Clarify definitions of terms.
    2. Enhance an explanation for how we plan to develop advisory committee membership.
    3. Consider options to optimize public meeting attendance.
    4. Ensure statewide opportunities for public involvement (Geographic balance, level of engagement)
    5. Identify what Tribal Nations reside within or adjacent to freight rail corridors in the Public Engagement Plan.

Where we are now, and what's coming down the tracks

  • A tentative budget has been defined and a solicitation for consultant support is in process.
  • MnDOT will evaluate responses to a solicitation for consultant support that is due early March, 2023.
  • Kickoff of the State Rail Plan's development is anticipated for late April, 2023.
  • Public engagement to support the development of the State Rail Plan will begin after the consultants are brought on board.
  • The State Rail Plan update is due within two years of adoption of the Statewide Multimodal System Plan (SMTP), in December 2024.

Want to be involved?

Page last updated: 03 May 2023, 06:13 PM