Jul. 2—EAST GRAND FORKS — For those who live and work near the tracks, East Grand Forks’ new rail quiet zone is a welcome change.
Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal Nevin Lubarski predicts fewer disruptions to classes and religious services.
“It will certainly have a positive impact on our school environment and just the school experience for our kids,” Lubarski said. “It didn’t matter if you were outside or not. … It was a significant disruption to just daily routine.”
The zone was established June 20 following work to improve the crossings. The stretch of track runs from the Red River to the eastern limits of the city. It runs past residential homes, businesses and Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School.
The stretch of rail tracks lies roughly between Third and Fourth streets. Lubarski said that before the zone, students would have to cover their ears from the horns because it was so loud. That’s now a thing of the past.
“I would say it’s like a breath of fresh air,” Lubarski said. “It’s going to be very beneficial for our staff and our students.”
Work to create a rail quiet zone through East Grand Forks had been discussed for years, said East Grand Forks Mayor Mark Olstad.
“I’ve had people reach out and say this is wonderful,” Olstad said. “I think it was a win for everyone in that neighborhood and I think they’re really (going to) enjoy it. It’s going to be good.”
Approval for the project came in 2022 from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and BNSF. Substantial construction was completed in 2024 with updates to the crossings and signaling at Central Avenue and Second Avenue Northeast.
The entire project cost $1.38 million. Funding came from BNSF, MnDOT,
city funds and state aid.
As part of the project, the Third Street Northwest crossing was vacated by the city. This allowed for improved crossings at Central Avenue and Second Avenue and eliminated a potentially expensive signal system. Estimates from 2022 had a gate system there costing between $750,000 and $1 million.
The closure of Third Street has meant changes for Sacred Heart. Lubarski said that over the last year, school officials experimented with staggered release times and various traffic patterns. Lubarski appreciates the Sacred Heart community’s flexibility and willingness to adapt to the new traffic flow.
“There was probably no perfect plan, but I think everybody can understand that you’re going to have to be patient and you may not be the first in line,” Lubarski said. “It was great to have the collaboration with (City Administrator) Reid Huttunen and Police Chief Mike Hedlund to help with some of the traffic.”
The establishment of the new zone also means improved safety for busy corridors in that neighborhood, like a fence around the tracks near Sacred Heart and improved pedestrian facilities.
“I’m glad we could get to the point where it’s done and people can enjoy the quietness of the trains,” Olstad said. “For a lot of home day cares and people who work from home in that area, it was something they wanted and have asked for for a while.”