Arizona DOT seeks input on state rail plan

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is soliciting public and stakeholder opinions on an update to its state rail plan.

ADOT is seeking comments by Aug. 10 on what the plan should include for both freight- and passenger-rail systems, department officials said in a press release.

The update will provide guidance for existing rail systems and services used by Arizona freight shippers and the public. Additionally, it will provide an assessment of the statewide rail system, offering recommendations for policies, programs, processes and projects that will improve rail safety and service.

The following five major elements will be included in the plan:
• describing the role of rail transportation in the state;
• profiling the state's railroad assets and traffic, along with identifying markets, logistics, and economic and demographic trends that will have an impact on rail transportation needs;
• determining freight-rail needs and improvements;
• determining passenger-rail needs and improvements; and
• developing a rail service plan.

Last year, several rail-industry stakeholder workshops were held to gather input about the Arizona rail network's challenges and opportunities. The feedback from those meetings will be included in the state rail plan, which is expected to be completed late this year.

Arizona's rail plan is updated every four years, as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.