Plans, Trains, and Automobiles: Big River Crossing Issues in a Small Community

00780109https://doi.org/10.21949/14029311999PDFProceedingsRailroad bridgesPublic participationAlternatives analysisFeasibility analysisComputer modelsGrade separationsBurlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroadConcensus committeeMicroBENCOSTRiver crossingsSauk Rapids BridgeSt. Cloud (Minnesota)TRAF-NETSIMTranPlanMinnesotaRoper, Brian A..Hiniker, Christian J.Washington (State). Department of TransportationNational Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research BoardInstitute of Transportation EngineersNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Bridges and StructuresNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-PLANNING AND POLICYNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Land UseNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Public Participation and OutreachNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Rail Planning and PolicyNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Human FactorsUS Transportation CollectionThis paper addresses cross-cutting topics associated with the replacement of aregional Mississippi River crossing along the Great River Road. The breadth anddepth of issues define the ease with which transportation problems can be solved.In the St. Cloud, Minnesota, metropolitan area, the Sauk Rapids bridge replacementhas generated a myriad of these issues. When applied to a river crossingreplacement of metropolitan significance, broad-based representation from thecommunity (defined as residents, business owners, elected officials, andtransportation professionals) is essential. Engaging and educating this cohorthas ultimately fostered consent in the selection of the preferred replacementalternative.84