Minnesota DOT to test bi-modal trailers

Later this month, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will test American Surface Lines L.L.C.’s RailMate bi-modal transportation system.

Designed to travel on roads or rail, RailMate will be used to transport aggregate from Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range to MnDOT’s cold weather pavement testing facility near Albertville.

To take place between April 21 and May 3, the delivery system test will be conducted in conjunction with Canadian Pacific Railway, the Twin Cities & Western Railroad, Jeff Foster Trucking Inc. and PT Mac Inc. The Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth will evaluate the technical and operational capabilities of the system for delivering taconite aggregate and/or other materials.

RailMate can reduce transportation supply-chain costs and fuel usage, American Surface Lines said.