Although Southwest Light Rail Transit’s project would be beneficial for the economy, transportation and environment, its construction negatively will affect the St. Louis Park community.

The Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project will cause the freight rail to be rerouted. The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) is in the process of deciding where the freight rail route will be moved.

Two of the three possible relocation plans being considered in the Met Council would reroute the freight rails through either the high school football stadium or the playground of nearby Park Spanish Immersion School.

In order to build the light rail, the freight rails must be relocated because the corridor isn’t wide enough for collocation. This reroute would be detrimental for the city. It would take time to find new locations for some buildings and could leave students without a school or athletic field.

According to a SWLRT proposed route illustration, the freight rail also would be directed through local businesses. If a local establishment is in the way of the freight rails, the business would be removed and not necessarily relocated. The city would be reimbursed for any relocation losses by the Met Council.

Along with destroying some places of business, the freight rails will be more disruptive to students. According to the April 2011 study by Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH), the architect and engineer consulting firm for St. Louis Park, approximately 10 trains pass by the school per week. After the proposed plan, around 30 trains will go by the school. Also, according to the SEH study, the trains will be longer; 60 to 132 cars will pass compared to the current 10 to 25. These trains’ noise could distract students and make it harder for them to learn.

The best relocation proposal suggested is the Kenilworth Plan, because it relocates the freight rail out of St. Louis Park. The plan will relocate the freight rail through the Kenilworth Corridor in Minneapolis, allowing the Park community to be unscathed by the light rail project.

Students should get involved in choosing the best relocation plan by contacting local officials and recommending the Met Council pursues the Kenilworth Plan as the route for the freight rail. In this way students can ensure their voices are heard.