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Re: Some thoughts about the plight of Oregon Shortlines
Author: Steady_Rest
Date: 01-12-2008 - 18:51
I believe there was a message on this board quite some time ago, with a link to an article in a Kansas newspaper, about the crisis of rail abandonments in the Sunflower state. The article lamented the loss of property taxes and damage to rural roads by increased truck traffic. Many miles of asphalt roads were simply torn up and returned to gravel to save maintenance costs.
I purchased a new RV in 1993 and in the past 14 years of use, traveled mostly two lane blacktop. During this time I have had to replace, at my expense, 8 windshield halves at a cost of $4800.00. Losing a windshield in an RV is most memorable and all were caused by trucks approaching from the opposite direction. These experiences included a 2" diameter rock launched through the driver side glass and coming to rest at the rear of the vehicle and one truck that took out both halves in a single pass. This is just one persons experience with the hidden costs of increased truck traffic.
I have not been able to find the original article I read but offer this interesting link I found in my search.
Methodology for Determining Road Damage Due to Railroad Branchline Abandonment
I purchased a new RV in 1993 and in the past 14 years of use, traveled mostly two lane blacktop. During this time I have had to replace, at my expense, 8 windshield halves at a cost of $4800.00. Losing a windshield in an RV is most memorable and all were caused by trucks approaching from the opposite direction. These experiences included a 2" diameter rock launched through the driver side glass and coming to rest at the rear of the vehicle and one truck that took out both halves in a single pass. This is just one persons experience with the hidden costs of increased truck traffic.
I have not been able to find the original article I read but offer this interesting link I found in my search.
Methodology for Determining Road Damage Due to Railroad Branchline Abandonment
