It’s also a fact that Minneapolis deferred improvements on that bridge in favor of building Loot Rail, (Google “Hiawatha Line” for info...)
Yeah. It was to be Jesse’s legacy.
Same here in NM with Richardson's Railroad, a half-billion dollar boondoggle that is being built with state money due to the fact that the NMDOT didn't want it subject federal cost-benefit analysis ("would take too long" they said). Fare recovery for the couple of thousand who ride it per day is less than 15% and will drop to under 10% of the estimated $25 million dollar annual operating expense when the new 14-mile extension to Santa Fe is completed. In the meantime (and not mentioned by the envirowackos) is the huge ten-mile scar up 700 ft. high historic La Bajada escarpment where a huge cut and fill grade had to be constructed.
Meant to finish by saying that necessary road projects were put on hold, including the addition of a third lane each way to I-25 north of ABQ that parallels the RR. This piece of highway has not been improved since original 1960’s interstate highway construction and serves 25 to 30 times the number of vehicles than the RR passenger load.
More savy politicians and citizens believe the RR was a way to enhance Richardson’s Green resume before his run for President. It didn’t help him any. At least no bridges have fallen down ... yet.