Title
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE CSAH 13 (MIDWAY ROAD) RAILROAD CROSSINGS PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING PROJECT.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, there are two railroad crossings on CSAH 13 (Midway Rd), identified as USDOT #251850G and #251905S, that each carry approximately 30 trains per day; and
WHEREAS, CSAH 13 (Midway Rd), is a minor arterial and regionally significant highway within the Duluth metropolitan area that connects I-35 to US 53 that serves 7,000 vehicles per day at both railroad crossings; and
WHEREAS, the combination of a high volume of trains and vehicles results in significant delays for traffic on CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) and creates a risk for high-speed rear-end type crashes; and
WHEREAS, St. Louis County led the CSAH 13 (Midway Rd), Railroad Crossings Exploration Study in 2023 and found that both railroad crossings are a top concern on the CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) corridor and that there should be improvements completed at both railroad crossings; and
WHEREAS, the St. Louis County Railroad Crossing Safety Plan prioritizes the railroad crossings on CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) and recommends a grade separation (bridge overpass) at both railroad crossings; and
WHEREAS, St. Louis County is seeking funding for the CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) Railroad Crossings Planning and Preliminary Engineering Project through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program which is a grant program included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CITY OF DULUTH recognizes CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) as a regionally significant highway for the Duluth metropolitan area.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the CITY OF DULUTH supports St. Louis County’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program funding application for the CSAH 13 (Midway Rd) Railroad Crossings Planning and Preliminary Engineering Project.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This project is outside Duluth’s city limits and therefore, if the county was awarded funding, the city would not be required to contribute a local share. The city should support the county’s efforts to make transportation in the metropolitan area safer and more efficient for commuters, and the shipment of goods in and out of the region.