Twin Cities-to-Chicago Rail Plans Released

The state of Minnesota has released its final plans for a high-speed rail route connecting the Twin Cities to Chicago.

1 minute read

December 31, 2009, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg


"The plan, released by state transportation officials, doesn't resolve the knottiest political hurdle about the rail line: Its route through southeastern Minnesota.

It does, however, put the state on record supporting a project that could cost several billion dollars.

According to the plan, freight and passenger rail 20-year capital costs could range from $6.2 billion, with nearly two-thirds of that provided by federal, state and local government. The Twin Cities-Chicago line is expected to top $1 billion alone."

The route through southeastern Minnesota remains undecided, as state officials have yet to make a formal endorsement.

Thursday, December 31, 2009 in Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune

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