The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting Thursday in Albert Lea to receive input about the area’s freight systems.

Albert Lea might be known best for its freeway junction, but before the four-lane freeways were built, and before the two-lane U.S. and state highways were built, the city was already a crossroads for railroads and remains so.

The agency is looking to find out how the local economy and the economy in southeast Minnesota are impacted by the different systems of freight, including highways, rail, waterways and air.

“They’re looking for information from people who use the system,” said Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Director Dan Dorman.

Being at the crossroads of two major interstates — Interstates 90 and 35 — and having two major railroad companies — coming through town, Dorman said Albert Lea’s economy is greatly impacted by freight.

“We really think there’s an opportunity to take better advantage of our rail,” he said.

Currently, the Union Pacific’s Spine Line runs north and south through town and averages 11 trains per day, according to 2009 MnDOT figures. The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern line runs through going east and west and averages three trains per day, according to the same figures. The DM&E is owned by Canadian Pacific.

The Spine Line is a former Rock Island route that garnered its name when it was owned by the Chicago & North Western Railroad. It is a principal north-south route in the Upper Midwest and connects the Twin Cities to Kansas City by way of Des Moines, Iowa.

The study is occurring in cooperation with several cities and counties in southeastern Minnesota as well as other state and economic development agencies and metropolitan planning organizations, according to a news release.

Meetings will also be held in Winona and Rochester.

“A key part of the study is to engage private businesses and industries and determine the scope and impact of business trends on the transportation network,” said Bill Gardner, MnDOT’s freight and commercial vehicle operations director, in the release.

The network affects topics such as agriculture, energy, minerals and sand.

The study will also research how the system can be enhanced for more efficient freight flows and a better business environment.

The meeting will be from 4 to 7 p.m. in the community room of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services.

Meetings will be at the end of April and beginning of May in Winona and Rochester.

A second series of meetings will be held in June and July, with the completion of the study slated for July.