California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

2005-06 – 2015-16 California State Rail Plan
SHORT LINE SURVEY
In 2000, the Department surveyed 29 short line carriers and received a total of
19 responses (66 percent of the 29 companies). The survey inquired about service
and infrastructure characteristics, commodity movements, upgrade costs, and issue
areas. The following summarizes responses received for the key issue areas:
Track and Right-of-way
• Track and ROW improvements are needed to accommodate 286,000-pound
cars.
• The increase in operating weight will place a further maintenance expense
burden on the short lines.
Safety
• Improve at-grade crossing protection devices.
• Additional funding for grade separations is needed.
• Replace outdated signal systems.
Intermodal Facilities
• Seven of the respondents operate some type of intermodal facility.
• Of these, four identified the need for upgrades and improvements totaling
approximately $19 million.
State Role
• Because of thin short line operating margins (revenues less operating
costs), the short lines request State assistance in capital funding.
• Assume responsibility for flood protection due to State actions diverting or
increasing flood flows.
• Take an active role to preserve existing corridors for future passenger and
freight services.
Local Jurisdictions
• Local government should consider the provision of rail access in approval
of new commercial and industrial properties.
SERVICE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The longest short line railroad is the San Joaquin Valley Railroad with 310 miles
of track. The Quincy Railroad has the shortest line with just three track miles.
The Sierra Northern Railroad has the highest number of bridges of any reporting
short line in the State. In terms of service for 2004, the San Joaquin Valley
Railroad transported the most freight with 36,226 cars, followed by
194