Big changes in the former Great Northern division point town of Willmar, MN. A southbound BNSF unit grain train waits for a fresh crew at the south end of the new connector between the Morris Subdivision and the Marshall Subdivision (in the foreground) on the west side of town. This project, known as the "Willmar Wye," was constructed using railroad funding as well as state and federal grant money. The hope is that it will alleviate congestion in downtown Willmar, as trains moving north to south and vice versa won't have to go into town and switch directions. It required quite a lot of earthwork, as well as the construction of two new overpasses that can be seen in the distance. There appears to be space for at least one more track to be added in the future if necessary. Hopefully this will prove to be a good investment in Willmar's future.
