Monticello Subdivision

The Monticello Subdivision or Monticello Sub is a railway branch line that runs from the Wayzata Subdivision in Minneapolis to Monticello, Minnesota. Formerly operated by the Great Northern Railway and then Burlington Northern, it is now operated by BNSF Railway. It largely runs parallel to Broadway and Hennepin County Road 81 from Minneapolis to Rogers, and then Interstate 94 from Rogers to Monticello.[1] Rails formerly continued on from today's Monticello Subdivision farther to the northwest along today's I-94 corridor all the way to Moorhead, Minnesota. It had been used for passenger service, such as with the Alexandrian (named for Alexandria, Minnesota).[2]

Monticello Subdivision
Former continuation northwest
 Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant
35.5 mi
 Monticello
26.9
 Albertville
20.6
 Rogers
11.6
 Osseo
 Brooklyn Park
 Crystal
CP Paynesville Subdivision
5.1
 Robbinsdale
1.7
 MW Junction
to UP Golden Valley Industrial Lead
 Golden Valley
0.0 mi
 Lyndale Junction
to Wayzata Subdivision

This is a low-volume line, only seeing about two trains per day. Most rail activity on the line takes place south of Albertville. Farther north, the main purpose of the line used to be to serve the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. Now the track through Monticello is listed as exempt, and the line between Monticello and Albertville is used to store empty grain hoppers and container cars. Union Pacific Railroad has trackage rights on the line from its southern end at Lyndale Junction to MW Junction, which connects to UP's Golden Valley Industrial Lead.[1]

The Bottineau Boulevard Transitway, in early planning stages as a light rail line, proposes using part of the Monticello Subdivision corridor to run passenger trains. Railway operator BNSF has consistently opposed to any passenger rail along this corridor.[3][4]

References
  1. Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (July 31, 2009). "Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan: Freight Rail Supply and Demand – Draft technical memorandum" (PDF). Minnesota Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  2. "Named GN Passenger Trains: Lines East". Great Northern Empire. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  3. Miller, Kevin. "BNSF remains opposed to Bottineau LRT on its land". hometownsource.com. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  4. Moore, Janet (July 29, 2020). "Supporters press for extension of Metro Transit's Blue Line light rail". www.startribune.com. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
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