trains could do more than one round trip per day, reducing the number of trainsets needed to provide frequent service. However, the NLX organization revisited some slower options in 2010, and is now leaning toward "Option 2" that would mostly run at north of the Twin Cities, but would support speeds up to 110 mph between Cambridge and Hinckley. This would significantly reduce the cost and lead to better benefit-cost calculations, but would also reduce the operating margin to barely better than break-even. Option 2 would have trains take 2 hours and 17 minutes to make the trip, and drop the average speed from about to about . This still compares favorably with the scheduled 3 hours 35 minutes scheduled for the North Star in 1985—a mere average. , the line hosted 12 to 15 freight trains per day. It had at least some Class 4 track which limits freight and passenger traffic to , but this would need to be upgraded to Class 5 and Class 6 in order to support speeds, respectively. There are more than 150 grade crossings and 12 bridges on this segment which would need to be improved (or eliminated, in the case of some grade crossings). The line has automatic block signaling, but needs centralized traffic control and positive train control installed to support speeds above . There are also several sidings along the route which only have manual switches and would need to be automated. The double-track main line south of Coon Creek Junction is the busiest rail corridor in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In July 2009, before the Northstar commuter line began operation, this segment hosted 63 trains per day. There are already plans for BNSF to construct a third main line in the area from the junction south to East Interstate (the bridge over Interstate 694). BNSF would then allow 22 more passenger trains per day for Northstar, NLX, Amtrak, and possibly other services. The Northstar's Fridley station was built with the future third main in mind, and was initially built as an island platform with track only on the east side, requiring the Northstar train to be on that track when traveling inbound to or outbound from Minneapolis. Stations list References External links Northern Lights Express Transportation in Minneapolis–Saint Paul Passenger rail transportation in Minnesota Transportation in Wisconsin Proposed railway lines in Minnesota Transportation in Pine County, Minnesota Higher-speed