Project Benefits
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Connections and Efficiency
A new connection to the BNSF freight rail network will improve the efficiency of the overall freight transportation system in the Four Corners area. It will also expand economic opportunities for the region, including the Navajo Nation.
Economic Opportunities
By adding a connection to the existing BNSF freight network, the area will become an attractive resource for businesses considering locating to or expanding in the Four Corners area. It would help make the region more competitive by decreasing shipping costs.
Additional economic development in the region provides learning opportunities and career pathways for local children, allowing them to stay localized and raise their families close to home. Creating more businesses will also bring in additional tax revenues directly benefiting the local school systems.
Adding freight rail service will help reduce the amount of commercial truck traffic on surrounding roadways, increasing roadway safety, and decreasing potential crashes. The reduction in heavy truck traffic will also reduce the need for roadway repair.
Proposed Connection Network
What is a Feasibility Study?
During the feasibility study, the project team identifies and evaluates potential route alignments, transloading facilities, commodities, and environmental impacts. In addition, public involvement and coordination with local agencies play a crucial role in the project development.
The study also produces an Economic Feasibility Analysis to examine the freight traffic demand and other factors related to the feasibility of the proposed new rail line.
Study Timeline
Alternatives Analysis
- Spring 2024 - Route Options
- Spring 2024 - Investment Options
- Spring 2024 - Design Options
Project Development
- Summer 2024 - Operational Requirements
- Fall 2024 - Early Preliminary Engineering
- End of 2024 - Construction Cost Estimation
- End of 2024 - Operations and Maintenance Estimate
Environmental Analysis
- End of 2024
Economic Feasibility Analysis
- End of 2024
Question or Comment?
Our project team is available to answer your questions.