Dan Bergeson of HDR and Metro COG representatives briefed the board on a two‑year regional study assessing railroad crossings and related infrastructure needs across the FM Metro area. The study identified 15 locations selected by jurisdictions; four fall in Clay County outside Moorhead and Dilworth city limits.

Bergeson described preferred alternatives in Clay County: an overpass at 14th Street in Dilworth designed with potential future four lanes and a connection to the Heartland Trail; roadway widening, added turn lanes and shoulder work at the 40th Avenue South/Highway 52 skewed intersection; and a longer‑term overpass concept at 50th Avenue south of Moorhead.

The consultant said stakeholders prioritized magnitude of project benefits and emergency service access in their multiple account evaluation, along with community impact and funding potential. Federal Rail Administration train‑count data were cited at one location (50th Avenue) as eight trains per day.

Bergeson said BNSF funded the local match for federal funds and that the consultant drew on regional rail expertise. The board heard that the study is a planning step — not a construction commitment — and that coordinated early dialogue with MnDOT and local jurisdictions will be necessary if projects advance.

No formal board action was requested; the presentation was informational and the final draft report is available on the FM Metro COG website.