Missouri DOT releases state freight plan

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) earlier this month released the State Freight Plan, which provides a basic framework of the goals and strategies for freight transportation in Missouri. The plan will also provide an outline for future investments in transportation in the state.

Rail infrastructure in the state is used to move freight valued at about $465 billion, a figure that's projected to increase to about $790.6 billion by 2030. The plan provides recommendations for addressing projected freight volume increases across all modes of transportation.

"The Missouri State Freight Plan is designed to guide our partners statewide in their development plans, but for now, the plan is all we can provide," said MoDOT Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger in a press release. "MoDOT's construction budget is dropping to levels that won't even allow us to maintain the highway system we have, so there's virtually no opportunity to make an investment in freight at a statewide level."

Six Class Is operate about 4,200 miles of mainline track in Missouri. In addition, five short lines operate 425 miles of track in the state.