Frequently asked questions
There are many additional steps that need to take place before we can determine the start date. However, acceptant into the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development (CIDP) program was a critical step in moving Project forward. Additional state and federal funding will be needed to construct the Project. This is will influence the timeline for completing construction and staring service.
Prices will be set closer to the start of service.
The steps involved in getting the route operational will take time to complete, and the availability of federal funds will impact the timeline. The steps include:
- Negotiating and completing all needed agreements
- Updating the service development plan
- Updating preliminary engineering
- Environmental analysis work
- Final design work
- Infrastructure construction and improvements
- Purchase equipment
- Systems and operations testing
The most recent cost estimate is $718.9 million. This number is based on capital improvements that were identified in 2017. The estimate is based on a MnDOT analysis and did not include input from partners, such as the host railroad. As the Project advances, input from the host railroad and other partners will be key for determining the final cost estimate.
- Track upgrades, and new and extended sidings. Track improvements will allow for safe, on-time service for both passenger and freight traffic. The track upgrades will allow passenger trains to operate at higher speeds than freight trains. The existing line has a single mainline track, so the sidings will allow trains to pass each other.
- Upgraded signals, which are needed so passenger trains can operate at higher speeds than freight trains.
- Grade crossing improvements.
- New and expanded stations. The existing stations in Duluth and Minneapolis (Target Field) will be upgraded. New stations will be built in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley and Superior, Wisconsin.
- The Project will be funded up to 80% with federal money and 20% with state money.
- In May 2023, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated $194.7 million for the Project. This provided the 20% state match needed to pursue federal grants for Final Design and Construction. The appropriation also provided funds to purchase locomotives and cars. In May 2025, the Legislature shifted $77.232 million away from the Project to balance the State budget. The remaining funds provide the matching funds needed to apply for additional grants from the Federal Railroad Administration to complete project planning, project development and final design.
- MnDOT will continue to update the cost estimate as the Project advances. MnDOT will use the cost estimate developed during final design to request additional funds from the Legislature to provide the 20% match needed to apply for a federal grant to construct the Project.
MnDOT has received $500,000 in the form of CIDP funds. The $500,000 in CIDP funds will be used to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for updating NLX’s service development plan (SDP). This is the first of three steps under the CIDP. Step two is updating the SDP. Step three is project development, which includes updating preliminary engineering and environmental documents.
MnDOT will work with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to further develop and refine the work that has already been done on NLX. As we review and complete the steps needed in the CIDP, MnDOT will apply for FSP funds for final design and construction. The acceptance of the NLX into CIDP is an important step in moving this passenger rail service forward. Projects that complete the CIDP will be prioritized for future federal capital funding opportunities.
The NLX is currently expected to make four roundtrips per day connecting Duluth/Superior and Minneapolis. It will also stop in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Superior, WI.
The train will operate at speeds up to 90 miles per hour. A one-way trip between the Twin Cities and Twin Ports will take about 2½ hours, which is comparable to driving. It may be faster during rush hour and in bad weather.
Approximately 700,000 to 750,000 people are projected to ride the train the first year. In 20 years, it is estimated that ridership will be about 1 million per year. These numbers consider how likely someone is to take the train instead of driving. Factors include age, gender, car ownership, cost of gas and reason for travel. We expect these numbers to change depending on several variables including how many rail cars are used, gas prices, time of year, etc.
Estimates of potential economic benefits include:
- An economic return of $1.10 to $1.69 for every dollar invested.
- 3,000 construction jobs and 500 other jobs each year for the first five years.
- $400 million in tourism revenue. This will support about 250 jobs per year and wages of $250 million over 40 years.
Public grade crossings along the route will be upgraded to include gates and flashing lights. Some roadway approaches will also be improved to reduce the slope and improve sight lines.