Metro Railroad Needs Study

Public Comment Period and Approval Schedule - October 28, 2025

 

The draft final Metro Railroad Needs Study is now available for public comment. Please review the draft final report by clicking on the link below.

 

Metro Railroad Needs Study (DRAFT)

Appendix A - Photos of Existing Crossings

Appendix B - Identified Environmental Resources

Appendix C - Engagement Summary

Appendix D - Cost Estimate Details

A public comment period regarding the Metro Railroad Needs Study will begin on Tuesday, October 28, and run through Friday, November 14. Comments may be provided via Metro COG’s general email address at metrocog@fmmetrocog.org or directly to the project contact listed to the right on this webpage.

 

Over the next several weeks, the Metro Railroad Needs Study will be presented to local jurisdictions, Metro COG’s Transportation Technical Committee (TTC), and Metro COG's Policy Board for approval, pending review by state and federal partners. The public is welcome to attend any of these meetings. The schedule for these meetings is below:

 

• Cass County Commission - November 17 at 3:30 PM
• Fargo City Commission - November 24 at 5:00 PM
• Moorhead City Council - November 24 at 5:30 PM
• Clay County Commission - November 25 at 8:30 AM
• West Fargo City Commission - December 1 at 5:30 PM
• Dilworth City Council - December 8 at 6:00 PM
• Metro COG TTC - December 11 at 10:00 AM
• Metro COG Policy Board - December 18 at 4:00 PM

Thank you to everyone who has participated in various pubic engagement meetings and events over the past two years! Your input and feedback have been invaluable during this process.

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Project Background Information

 

Metro COG, local jurisdictions, and BNSF Railway initiated the Metro Railroad Needs Study  to address growing safety, mobility, and infrastructure concerns at key railroad crossings throughout the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. The study was initiated following discussions in early 2023 at the request of BNSF Railway between Metro COG and Fargo–Moorhead metro area representatives. These discussions centered around the growing need to evaluate the impacts of the existing railroad infrastructure on urban mobility, safety, and long-term planning within the metro area. Recognizing the significance of rail operations and their crossings, the parties identified the need for a comprehensive study that would assess current conditions and explore future improvements. Local jurisdictions also helped identify specific railroad crossing locations for inclusion in the study. 

Project Objectives

 

The primary objectives of the study include assessing existing conditions at railroad crossings, identifying and evaluating infrastructure improvement alternatives, enhancing safety, reducing delays, improving multimodal connectivity, and supporting long-term transportation planning and investment decisions. The study provides a strategic framework for prioritizing investments in rail crossing infrastructure. By aligning technical analysis with stakeholder and public input, the study offers actionable recommendations to enhance safety, mobility, and connectivity across the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. These findings will support Metro COG and its partners in seeking funding and advancing transportation improvements.