CR 99-173 Railroad Study, Blocking Operations
September 17, 1999
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RAILROAD STUDY, BLOCKING OPERATIONS
Council Report 99-173
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 99-091 adoptin~ a
position on the installation of a switch for train blocking pw:poses on the CP rail line in West Hopkins.
Adoption of this motion will result in additional discussions about the installation of a switch that would
allow nighttime blocking operations in the City of Hopkins.
Overview
The neighboring communities of St. Louis Park and Minnetonka have been studying for a period of
months and years, the issue of railroad operations in residential areas of their communities. As part of
their analysis, a noise study was conducted that studied the impacts of rail operations on noise levels.
Hopkins participated in this study.
Discussions between the three communities have focused on finding a long-term solution to moving
railroad-blocking operations out of the three cities. Discussions have also addressed the potential of a
short-term solution that would lower the disturbances in the residential neighborhoods by moving some of
the operations to Hopkins in a non-residential setting.
Minnetonka and St. Louis Park are now considering the installation of a switch in the City of Hopkins and
are asking for concurrence on this issue with the City of Hopkins. The attached resolution would allow
for continued discussions in this direction.
Primary Issues to Consider
. What are the impacts of moving the switching to Hopkins?
Hopkins already has some switching operations taking place in town. By moving the operations
to the non-residential area on the west side of town the noise impacts should be minimal. The
noise study indicates that noise standards should not exceed state requirements, but also points out
that intermittent noise does not fall under current standards.
· Should Hopkins wait for the long-term solution?
A long-term solution to the noise issues could result in a solution within two to three years,
wherein all blocking and yard operations would be moved outside the three communities. For this
to occur, the three communities would likely have to work together to accomplish that goal. By
accepting the short-term solution, we are assisting the neighboring communities with a current
problem while continuing to work with them on a long-term solution.
Supporting Documents
· Memorandum dated September 10, 1999, Railroad blocking operations
· Diagram of "blocking" process
· Resolution 99-091
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Steven C. Mielke, City Mapager
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