Rail branchlines in the 13-state area of the Appalachian Regional commission (ARC) vary in traffic carried and therefore in relative profitability. Maintenance is deferred on certain of the less profitable lines which are still important to local economies and could be preserved by appropriate public action. Recommendations were prepared regarding possible ARC roles in this matter. Factors considered included Regional rail demand and commodities carried; the maintenance posture of Regional branchlines (including a physical inspection and individual study of 14 sample lines) and examination of the impact of unit coal train operations on Regional branchline operations. The cost of upgrading Regional branchlines to FRA Class 2 standards (25 mph) was also estimated. The feasibility of improving marginal rail branchlines to FRA Class 2 standards was also examined, based on a sample of such lines. Existing rail assistance programs were also evaluated.


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    Title :

    Appalachia Railroad Branchline Condition/Abandonment Study


    Contributors:
    R. Zuelsdorf (author) / B. McIlwain (author) / J. White (author)

    Publication date :

    1980


    Size :

    235 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English