SE Main Ave|20 St|21 St Railroad Grade Separation Project

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Project Vital Statistics as of September 1, 2022

Total Contract Work Completed: >95%

SE Main/20 St/21 St underpass is completed and open to traffic.
1 Ave S has been permanently closed to traffic; the contractor has completed the utility work and the grading for the wye track and is working on the construction of a cul-de-sac on 1 Ave S west of 21 St.

Upcoming Milestones

Complete BNSF wye track. The wye track is expected to become operational about September 7. The new cul-de-sac should be paved by the end of September.

Project Description

The project reconstructed and realigned the intersection of SE Main Ave and 20 St|21 St to pass under new bridges that carry the BNSF and Otter Tail Valley Railroad tracks over the streets. The project will improve safety and reduce congestion for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency services.

The project also includes the construction of new track (called a wye) that will allow direct northbound to eastbound and westbound to southbound train movements. Under existing conditions, trains must travel into the Downtown area, stop, and reverse direction to make these movements. The wye will eliminate delays at the Downtown crossings associated with trains backing up.

Project Layout

Proposed Layout