A Corridor that Moves Freight
Southwest Minnesota Freight traffic has the potential to grow 200 percent by 2030 if the current agricultural trends continue, which is double the statewide rate.
A Corridor that Moves Freight
US 169 is considered a key freight corridor, from Mankato to the Twin Cities for the movement of small grains to the Ports of Savage – a nationally prominent port
for the shipment of small grain and other agricultural commodities to the rest of the world.
The growth of freight traffic is being matched by growth in vehicle sizes: on the farms, the roads, and the rails, in response to the need for more
efficiency and capacity. This not only further extends the demands placed on the current infrastructure that has seen little improvement in design
and load carrying ability during the past decades, but carries with it many much-needed safety improvement considerations.
A Corridor that Supports Agriculture
Wheat
Corn
Soybeans
Hogs
Milling and Food Processing
Non-metallic Minerals – High Grade Silica Sand in Le Sueur County
A Corridor that Transports Energy
Ethanol and Biodiesel Fuel Plants:
In 2006, the value added from local ethanol production and effects of higher grain prices directly and indirectly added approximately $5 billion to
Minnesota's economy.
The average ethanol plant production is growing from 40 million gallons to 100 million gallons per year and has only 10 days of on-site storage for corn.
As a result, ethanol production facilities rely on regular truck shipments (mostly fully loaded semis) from area farms for much of their supply.
In 2005, shipments for Mn/DOT's Mankato/Windom District 7 totaled half of Minnesota's Ethanol Output.
Distiller Dried Grains (an ethanol byproduct), serve as a livestock feed that substitutes for grain meals, and has become an important area export commodity
has now found a niche in international markets.
Minnesota Municipal Power Association (MMPA) in Le Sueur plans construction of a BioPower facility using plant and animal waste materials to produce electricity.
Wind Energy
Current importation of foreign wind turbine components may soon be matched by the production and export of domestic wind turbine components. Regional retail
distribution centers will be established in the area to market wind turbine components.
Southern Minnesota experience climatic patterns that are very supportive of wind turbine installations and electric generation.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reported in a recent study that Mn/DOT District 7 is a likely candidate for one or more new wind
turbine manufacturing plants. This will radically increase the number of truck transport trips being hosted by the District's roadwaynetwork. Any consideration of
this new traffic must also account for truck and rail deliveries of the plant’s raw materials and sub-components.
A Vision for a Key Commuter Corridor
The Union Pacific Railroad which is a parallel to US 169, provides a potential future Commuter Rail line from Mankato to Minneapolis.
