Mississippi Skyway Pedestrian Bridge

The purpose of this discussion is to establish the priority of constructing a pedestrian bridge from the former Northstar Commuter Rail Station to the south side of US Highway 10. 

Around 2018, the city began dedicating staff resources to begin the design work for this project.  The city received various funding approvals, and improvements were made in preparation of this project.  At this point, plans to construct this bridge are at the phase of 90% completion.  In 2024, Ramsey was awarded $3.75 million towards the final design and construction of this project.  These funds are eligible through June 2028.  At the time this funding was awarded, the Northstar Commuter Rail was in operation and this grade-separated bridge would be an extension to existing infrastructure that would allow a full crossing from the municipal parking ramp, over the BNSF Railroad and US Hwy 10, to the south side of Hwy 10.

Today, the Northstar Commuter Rail service has been suspended.  As part of the discontinuation discussions, the Metropolitan Council has communicated with BNSF options for future use of existing rail stops along the corridor.  Conversations specific to the Ramsey stop have been tied to the funding we have, and plans to construct the pedestrian bridge extension.  Feedback to staff has been that BNSF desires a commitment to construct the bridge versus having unused infrastructure remain in their right of way for an unknown amount of time.

Should this pedestrian bridge be constructed, an outstanding decision related to who owns the infrastructure would still need to be established.  At this time, Metropolitan Council has shown little to no desire to maintain ownership of the rail stop.  Staff has attempted to gather financial information on what annual operating costs may be, but have been unsuccessful due to lack of reliable information being given.  For example, we have not been provided with information related to insurance requirements in order to receive a quote for premium costs on the coverage amount.  Another major financial burden of ownership would be future replacement costs.  The rail stop does have many years of useful life yet, but the future maintenance and replacement costs would fall on the owner for responsibility.

As part of these discussions, staff met with Anoka County to determine if there was any immediate interest in partnering on the bridge extension project.  Anoka County has had this project as an idea of interest. However, it has not fallen into any of their more immediate priority project lists.

The City of Ramsey is being pressured to make a determination as soon as possible on our commitment to assume ownership of the rail stop and construct a pedestrian bridge extension.  However, even if the City is willing to move forward on the project, there has been no assurance that BNSF would agree to allowing the infrastructure to remain in their right of way if it is not being used for the Northstar Commutter Rail.

Additionally, Ramsey has not dedicated any other funding towards this project.  Staff has been identifying other funding sources, but have not been successful in any other application submittals.

Should the City want to construct the pedestrian overpass, city funding could come from park dedication revenue or general levy.

Provide direction on whether staff should continue to pursue the preservation of the rail stop for the purpose of constructing a pedestrian overpass extension to the south side of US Hwy 10.

Provide direction on whether staff should continue to pursue the preservation of the rail stop for the purpose of constructing a pedestrian overpass extension to the south side of US Hwy 10.