Greetings,

It's beginning to look a lot like a commuter rail line along the Northstar Corridor. Station shelters, platforms and park-and-ride lots have taken shape from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis. But with commuter rail service still nearly a year away, we all must be diligent about safety in the Northstar Corridor. That's why soon you will begin noticing our safety message - "LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE." It's a reminder to pay extra attention around Northstar stations and train tracks.

Though station construction has slowed down or stopped for winter, it is important to realize these areas are dangerous construction zones. Construction fencing and signage will be in place to remind pedestrians and motorists to stay away. Here are a couple of other things to consider:

• Never assume you know when and where to expect a train. The freight trains currently traveling along the tracks may do so at any time from either direction. Always look both ways and use only designated railroad crossings.
• Wires and switches may be live and activated at any time, so be careful.
• Environmental noise and wide-open spaces can muffle warning whistles or the sound of trains, so it is crucial to stay alert around train tracks.

For more information about safety around Northstar, check out the Winter 2008 Supporter Update newsletter. Other featured items in the newsletter include:

• St. Cloud commuter coach service being planned
• Fridley station added to Northstar line
• First locomotive arrives in Big Lake
• Northstar web site and materials get a new look

As the beginning of service nears, we'll let you know about opportunities to tour station sites once they're complete and provide more information on how to ride the line. Let's make sure we stay safe today, so we all can ride the line in 2009.

Happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair