Back in January 2010, a meeting was held in Brooten about the need for a proper turn lane for truck access to the Brooten Industrial Park from Highway 55. Stakeholders included West Central, Inc., which has multiple chemical tanks in the Brooten Industrial Park. Six other businesses in the park include the Brooten Development Corp, Brooten Diesel, Brooten Industries, Glacial Wood Products, Lakeside Foods and Packer Brothers.

In addition to the turn lane, an upgraded spur crossing was also needed.

Planning led to agreements between Canadian Pacific railroad, Stearns County and the State Highway department to re-align County Road 194 with Highway 55 and create an improved turn lane and railroad crossing.

Late this past summer, construction of the new crossing and turn lane of CR-194 began. It was completed in October.

Last Wednesday a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the railroad crossing to celebrate the important improvements that will help the Brooten Industrial Park continue to grow into the future.