St. Paul – Today, the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), which advises the Metropolitan Council on transportation issues, recommended the proposed Foley Blvd. overpass of the BNSF railroad tracks in Coon Rapids receive federal funding. Under the proposal from Anoka County, $7 million of federal funding would be leveraged by a $11.4 million local match. The rail crossing – ranked one of the 15th highest-risk crossings in the state by the Minnesota Department of transportation – was one of 58 proposals selected from more than 150 various highway, bridge, pedestrian, and transit projects throughout the Metro area.
State Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL – Spring Lake Park) released the following statement.
“I’m very pleased that the Foley Blvd. grade separation was selected for federal funding by TAB. With increased volumes of vehicle traffic, along with the approximately 60 trains carrying hazardous materials that pass per day, this rail crossing has developed into a tremendous safety risk. Local community leaders have pushed for this solution for several years, and this has been a collaborative effort to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, and will be incorporated nicely into future expansion of transit service.
“There are many more needs to be addressed as we look to modernize crossings, including the Hanson Blvd. proposal, but this is a great step forward for public safety in Coon Rapids.”
Rep. Erin Koegel represents the citizens of parts of Coon Rapids, Blaine and Spring Lake Park in the Minnesota House. She encourages constituents to reach out to her about any issue. She can be reached by email at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5369, and encourages constituents to sign up for periodic email updates at her House website, located at www.house.mn/37a.