Proposed BNSF-CN interconnection in Minneapolis suburbs raises concerns

In recent months, we’ve carried stories about both a planned Canadian Northern expansion in St. Paul MN, and serious safety violations by BNSF in nearby Minneapolis,

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Late year, Federal inspectors repeatedly caught BNSF hauling hazardous materials not on train manifests, which the Federal Railroad Administration said poses “unreasonable risks to health, safety and property.”

Today, in a move that’s prompted opposition, the two railroads have proposed an interconnection in the suburbs of nearby Minneapolis.

For background on the CN St. Paul expansion plans and BNSF safety violations:

Canadian Pacific Railroad pushes ahead with expansion despite St. Paul MN opposition, September 29, 2014

Mystery trains: Crews, communities in the dark on chemical cargo, September 23, 2014