A Call to Action
Subject: AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC NOTICE: Proposed Partial Replacement of the Canadian National Railroad Bridge, Across the Rainy River, Mile 85.0, Ranier, Koochiching County, Minnesota
As property owners, our primary concern is the potential reduction in water flow to the dam due to the new construction of abutments, pilings, and columns. The construction plans indicate that some of the work will take place in the deepest portion of the channel, which could exacerbate this issue.
Furthermore, during the construction of the rail crossing in 1908, blasting rubble was left in the water, creating what is often referred to as “The Dam Before Dam.” Our association has requested that CN be required to remove this rubble to prevent any further reduction in water flow. Jeff Kantor’s data from the 2022 flood indicates that a 10% reduction in flow could raise the peak flood level by 14 inches.
Our secondary concern is navigation. CN has been uncooperative in keeping the navigation channel open for larger vessels when the bridge is down. Which also poses a safety concern for all mariners. The National Park Service constructed a pier to accommodate the 65′ Voyageur Tour Boat, which has not been utilized due to train traffic and CN’s uncooperative practices.
This is your opportunity to share your concerns with the relevant authorities. Remember, the world is run by those who show up!
We have provided a link to a letter that Tom Doughty wrote. Please feel free to use this as a template for a letter that you would send
Thomas-Dougherty-comments-Ranier-Bridge Word Document
Thomas-Dougherty-comments-Ranier-Bridge Web Page
D09_PN02-25_CandianNationalRRBridge PDF
Public Notice 09-02-25 dated 27 June 2025 contains a detailed description of the proposed bridge project including location maps and bridge drawings with navigational clearances. Interested parties may access the notice at the following website: Public Notices for Bridges | Navigation Center.
The public notice may also be obtained by calling the Coast Guard District Bridge Branch at 216-902-6087, by writing to Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District (dpb), 1240 E.. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44199, or by email request to michael.o.walker2@uscg.mil.
Interested parties are requested to express their views, in writing, on the proposed bridge project including its possible impacts to the environment and navigation. Comments will be received for the record at the address given in Public Notice 09-02-25 through 28 July 2025.