NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Vic Lund, Traffic Engineer
218-625-3873 or lundv@stlouiscountymn.gov
Elimination of Midway Road railroad crossings takes another step forward
Anyone who travels on Midway Road between I-35 and Highway 2 through Midway Township and the City of Hermantown knows the frustration of getting stopped at the two railroad crossings that are located just over a mile apart. During Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting, St. Louis County Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a contract with engineering firm Sambatek, LLC to develop a plan to eliminate both railroad crossings.
The Midway Road Railroad Crossings Elimination Planning Project is the next step in a process that began in 2023 with an exploration study led by St. Louis County Public Works engineers. That study gathered community input through numerous public meetings and surveys, and determined that the top traffic concern in that area was the railroad crossings due to their impact on travel times. Additionally, feedback from residents, businesses, community leaders and other stakeholders showed an openness for change and wanting to see new options.
More than 7,000 vehicles a day travel on Midway Road. Of that, 15-20% of the vehicles are trucks hauling various freight. Meanwhile each of the railroad crossings carry up to 30 trains per day. The exploration study noted that traffic delays have increased over time due to an increase in the lengths and frequency of trains.
Based on the results of the exploration study, the county applied in 2024 for a Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. That application was successful, and last year the county was notified it had been awarded $1,862,400 for project planning and development. Additionally, the county will receive $249,000 from the Minnesota Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Match Program, to dedicate toward this project, leaving the county responsible for $217,000. The total planning project cost is estimated at $2,328,000.
Through the Midway Road Railroad Crossings Elimination Planning Project, engineers will develop various alternatives through a public engagement driven process that will close both railroad crossings. The planning project will develop a final recommended layout and cost estimate and finalize an environmental document approved by the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Highway Administration. St. Louis County would then work to request capital funds to construct the project. A timeline for project construction has not been determined.
"There's still a lot of work to do, but this is encouraging progress," said Commissioner Keith Musolf, whose district includes both railroad crossings. "The wait for motorists at these crossings causes more than just frustration. With so many vehicles carrying freight, there's an economic impact as well, so I'm excited to see what alternatives can be determined to keep our trains and our motoring public moving safely and efficiently."
Tuesday's vote came during the Committee of the Whole meeting. Final approval of the contract is expected during the regular Board meeting on March 24. More information about the project's history and goals can be found at: Midway Rd Railroad Crossing Planning Study | Engage St Louis County
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