Historical Preservation
Minnesota and South Dakota would lose at least 391 bridges eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as part of DM&E’s plans for hauling coal on its existing main line.
Among the historic bridges, DM&E has firm plans to replace all 165 timber trestles, all 184 stone-box culverts, all 36 steel I-beam bridges, and at least one stone-arch bridge.
DM&E promises to evaluate the other 101 stone-arch, steel-truss and steel-girder bridges – many 100 to 120 years old – on its existing line for possible fortification, but DM&E favors replacement, according to a Federal Railroad Administration report.
DM&E’s historic bridges
The federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) in 2000 identified 462 National Register-eligible bridges, many dating to the 1880s, on DM&E’s existing line. In a January 2007 report (see Chapter 5 on page 41) at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) stated that an additional 30 bridges had since passed 50 years of age and could be eligible for the National Register. The total of 492 includes 319 in Minnesota and 173 in South Dakota.
Learn about STB’s role in historic preservation along DM&E’s proposed coal pipeline.
Why would DM&E demolish these landmarks?
DM&E wants to upgrade the existing 600-mile line between Winona, Minn., and Wasta, S.D., and it contends that most of the historic bridges cannot be “rehabilitated” to handle the heavyweight coal unit trains that it hopes to haul.
How many historic bridges will survive?
DM&E told the FRA that, if the railroad can come up with financing for its coal project, it will conduct further evaluation of 87 steel bridges and 14 stone-arch bridges during the design-build stage. However, in an August 2006 report on the disposition of National Register-eligible bridges, DM&E identified just 24 bridges still being considered for use on the upgraded line. FRA, in the same document, wrote that “it is likely that numerous through-plate girder, deck-plate girder, through-truss, and concrete bridges will require replacement.”
What does it mean to rehabilitate a historic bridge?
To make modifications to strengthen the bridge so it can handle the increased weight requirements for coal unit trains. DM&E says it will evaluate possible repairs to bridges on an individual basis, based on best and safe engineering practices.
What are historic structures?
Historic structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or are eligible for listing because they meet one or more of the following criteria:
A. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
B. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
C. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction:
- Represent the work of a master.
- Possess high artistic values.
- Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
D. Yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
DM&E bridges are considered eligible based on criteria A or C or both.
People Power Works
Tens of thousands of taxpayers joined forces to oppose giving a $2.33 billion federal loan to DM&E, a small company with big political connections, and in February 2007 the Federal Railroad Administration rejected DM&E's application, echoing our position in labeling the loan an "unacceptably high risk to federal taxpayers."
DM&E's ambitions have not changed, and informed citizens remain concerned about multiple aspects of the company's rail construction plans. What can you do?
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Make a Difference
Write an e-mail to your elected officials or a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.