New Park-and-Ride Lot

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) - Officials will break ground Wednesday on a new park-and-ride lot in St. Cloud for people who plan to catch the Northstar commuter rail to the Twin Cities.

The rail line doesn't reach St. Cloud, so commuters will board charter buses to get to the Northstar station in Big Lake.

The park-and-ride lot will cost $600,000, which is being paid for by state and local governments.

If officials decide to spend the money to extend the Northstar Rail to St. Cloud, a train platform will be added near the park-and-ride lot.

Wednesday's ground breaking ceremony takes place at 4:30 p.m. at the U.S. Highway 10 and Lincoln Avenue site.

The 40-mile Northstar line is expected to open in November.

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