Do Trains Hurt Local Businesses?

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Every 15 minutes trains typically roll through Moorhead.

With the high number of trains, it causes frustration for people traveling downtown Moorhead.

Underpasses have been the talk in Moorhead for years.

If you take a look at center avenue which is between the two sets of tracks, it looks deserted.

So is it hurting businesses?

Studies by Moorhead officials show these trains block the roads for up to 6 hours a day in Moorhead.

When asked about trains Merlyn Rausch said, “Horrible frustration!”

Going to get her hair done every week, Merlin caught two trains trying to get to her appointment.

All she asks is the underpass to go in on 11th street.

“If there would be one more in there that would be very nice,” said Rausch.

The owner of Scissors on Center Salon says it hasn’t hurt her business but it is definitely a hassle.

Co-Owner Sue Chloupek said,”It can be problem because people can run late, but it’s something we’ve learned to deal with though.”

But if you look at other places on Center Avenue, you’ll notice businesses that have gone in and out of operation.

City officials are looking to put an underpass at 21st Street.

They say the earliest they can begin work is 2016, if funded by the legislature.

Moorhead City Manager Mike Redlinger said,”It’s going all the way west into downtown and then backing into Dilworth rail yard so there is a potential it does alleviate some blocked interstates downtown.”

Although many people would like the trains gone, business owners say they knew what they were getting into when they set up shop on Center Avenue.

“The trains were here first, so we came second,” said Chloupek.

But for others, it makes their blood boil.

“I’ll have to go home and take my blood pressure pill!”said Rausch.

City officials say they are continuing to keep contact with the legislature to get the first underpass on the top of their list next year.

Reporting live.

Erin Lisch, KVRR News.