The City of Crookston is excited to announce that Gowan Construction is scheduled to begin dirt work on the Colburn Industrial Park Railroad Spur the week of October 6, 2025. Utility work by Ottertail Power is planned to follow, beginning the week of October 13, 2025.
The goal is to complete the dirt work prior to winter freeze-up. If winter conditions allow, we will proceed with track construction later this year. Otherwise, rail construction will begin in spring 2026 at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Railroad Spur project taking place at the Crookston Industrial Park is funded by the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement (MRSI) grant which provides grants for freight rail service improvement projects that support economic development in accordance with Minnesota Statute. The City of Crookston is excited about the economic impact and utilization that it will bring to our area, an example being soybean providers who will experience cost savings by minimizing trips before export.
While the State of Minnesota didn’t fund the MSRI Grant for anybody in 2025, the Crookston Economic Development Authority are exploring other opportunities to complete the second phase of construction once this first phase is completed. The second phase of construction will make the Colburn Industrial Park easier to access to the public. This will include an area of the industrial park set aside for a rail yard so trucks can easily enter and exit. There have been questions about the accessibility of the south front street, and Minnesota Northern has been working to make sure that businesses on south front street will continue to have access.
Initial planning of the industrial park, located on HWY 75, will include lots for industrial businesses with estimated 3 acres as well as larger 10 acre lots. These lots are open to expand or decrease lot size. For any additional follow up on the railroad spur construction and the industrial park, please reach out to the following.
Jason Bierwerth – Minnesota Northern
- (701) 741-6086
- mnnjb@kbninc.net
Karie Kirschbaum
- (218) 280-3049
- kkirschbaum@crookston.mn.us