ST. PAUL (KFGO-AM) -- Mn-DOT estimates more than 326,000 Minnesotans live within a half mile of railroad tracks that carry North Dakota oil. That distance is considered the evacuation zone if a train derails and an evacuation becomes necessary.
“This data provides a greater emphasis on the need for a strong rail safety program,” said Mn-DOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “If trains derail and an emergency occurs, many lives could be in danger.”
According to Mn-DOT, crude oil trains travel on 700 miles of railroad from the North Dakota border through the Twin Cities and other areas of the state for delivery to the east and Gulf coasts. Canadian railroads also carry limited quantities of Alberta heavy crude oil through International Falls and Duluth. Five to seven trains of crude oil pass through the state daily. Each train carries about 3.3 million gallons of oil.
Governor Dayton has recommended improvements at seventy-five rail grade crossings. His proposal would spend $330 million over the next 10 years to provide safer rail crossings.
“Improved crossings will mean fewer chances for train and wheeled vehicles crashes, which will mean less likelihood of derailments,” Zelle said. “If an incident does occur, well-trained emergency personnel will be better able to protect the citizens and communities that lie along rail lines.”