St. Cloud’s highway rail grade crossings are being considered for improvements by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT’s findings from their 2014 study have identified nine sites across the state, including St. Cloud, which will be eligible for short term improvement projects along the crude oil by rail corridors.

MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle says “The safer transport of crude oil will reduce the public’s exposure to derailments, spills and fires that have already occurred in other states.”

The Minnesota Department of Transportation study evaluated 100 high-priority crossings to determine the need for improvement considering population, facilities, and activity within a half-mile of the crossings.

The state legislature has appropriated $2 million for safety improvements for these sites. Along with St. Cloud, Big Lake, Clear Lake, Perham, St. Paul Park, Wadena, Winona and two sites in Elk River will be eligible for funding.