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Re: New rail proposal in North Idaho?
Author: Bruce Kelly
Date: 01-15-2013 - 20:31
I believe these same people proposed taking over BNSF's CdA Branch back when it still reached Coeur d'Alene. While logs and chips indeed move up and down U.S. 95 through this area, I don't believe the current business would have sustained a dedicated rail line. At best, their proposal would have been about the UP (SI) branch into CdA and its main line run up to Chilco.
As for Spokane-Moscow-Lewiston, George is right on about the Palouse topography where those missing GN segments are. Absolute rollercoaster. Connection via W&I through Palouse and Marshall would by more likely. But containers? About the only way that might make an ounce of sense is in the case of export containers carrying grain, hay, lumber, etc., which might fetch a cheaper rate if put on the slow barge at Lewiston rather than railed to a port on the Columbia.
As for Spokane-Moscow-Lewiston, George is right on about the Palouse topography where those missing GN segments are. Absolute rollercoaster. Connection via W&I through Palouse and Marshall would by more likely. But containers? About the only way that might make an ounce of sense is in the case of export containers carrying grain, hay, lumber, etc., which might fetch a cheaper rate if put on the slow barge at Lewiston rather than railed to a port on the Columbia.
