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Re: train people, get real about OR shortlines
Author: wigwagfan
Date: 01-20-2008 - 22:45
The argument *FOR* fixing the POTB seems to be centered around the supposed massive impact to Highway 6.
The POTB hauled roughly 3,000-5,000 carloads a year; this is roughly equivalent to 6,000 to 15,000 loaded trucks annually, or 16-41 loaded trucks per day (and an equal amount of unloaded trucks returning).
According to ODOT's traffic statistics for Highway 6, the highway carries approximately 4,100 to 5,800 vehicles daily between Tillamook and Banks.
80 additional trucks a day, if we assume the high estimate, is an increase of Highway 6 traffic in the amount of 1.6% to 2%. In other words, not much.
It should also be noted that Tillamook's #1 export product, cheese, is exclusively shipped by truck, as well as all of the logs that feed the various sawmills come in by truck. Some of the finished lumber has always gone out by truck. Trucks have been instrumental in providing the day-to-day necessities, whether it be the daily UPS truck or the daily shipments to Fred Meyer or Safeway. Adding a few more trucks is NOT going to make a measurable dent in the maintenance needs of Highway 6.
The POTB hauled roughly 3,000-5,000 carloads a year; this is roughly equivalent to 6,000 to 15,000 loaded trucks annually, or 16-41 loaded trucks per day (and an equal amount of unloaded trucks returning).
According to ODOT's traffic statistics for Highway 6, the highway carries approximately 4,100 to 5,800 vehicles daily between Tillamook and Banks.
80 additional trucks a day, if we assume the high estimate, is an increase of Highway 6 traffic in the amount of 1.6% to 2%. In other words, not much.
It should also be noted that Tillamook's #1 export product, cheese, is exclusively shipped by truck, as well as all of the logs that feed the various sawmills come in by truck. Some of the finished lumber has always gone out by truck. Trucks have been instrumental in providing the day-to-day necessities, whether it be the daily UPS truck or the daily shipments to Fred Meyer or Safeway. Adding a few more trucks is NOT going to make a measurable dent in the maintenance needs of Highway 6.
