Greetings,

This is an exciting year for the state's first commuter rail project, and what better way to add to the momentum than by breaking ground on another Northstar station!

Yesterday more than 200 public officials, business leaders and supporters gathered in Fridley for the groundbreaking of the previously deferred Fridley station. It was a rewarding day for the Northstar Project and everyone who attended the event.

Download a fact sheet about the Fridley station.

Photos from the Fridley station groundbreaking also can be viewed online.

Construction of the station will be paid for with a $9.9 million grant from the Counties Transit Improvement Board. Station construction crews plan to be in full swing in the coming weeks. The station is expected to be fully functional in time for the beginning of Northstar service from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis late this year.

Among the station's features will be:

• A pedestrian tunnel for safe crossing under the train tracks
• Automated ticket kiosks that accept Go-To Cards and Metropasses
• On-demand heating in covered and enclosed platform shelters
• Bicycle lockers
• Fully ADA compliant platforms and trains
• Security cameras on the platforms
• Well-lit parking and station facilities

Elsewhere, station construction in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and downtown Minneapolis, as well as other portions of the project, is on budget and on schedule. Construction of the project overall is about 75 percent complete.

Stay in touch with Fridley station and other Northstar Project construction activities by visiting www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.

Send an e-mail if you have specific questions about station construction.

Let's get ready to ride the line!

Sincerely,

Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair