The Idaho State Rail Plan is being updated to guide the future of rail transportation in the state. The plan will assess existing rail infrastructure and activity, identify systemwide challenges and opportunities, and outline strategies to support Idaho’s economy and communities. Both freight and passenger rail are part of this process, along with key issues such as grade crossings, safety, and access to rail-served industries. While the focus of the State Rail Plan is to ensure travelers’ safety and support economic opportunities, unlike other state transportation plans, the State Rail Plan does not direct funds toward specific investments. This plan supports efforts to maximize the limited funds ITD receives for rail improvements, helps coordinate efforts with rail partners, and supports the ability to apply for grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Your input will help ITD and its partners better understand how Idahoans experience the rail system today, what concerns exist in communities, and what types of rail-related improvements people would most like to see. Feedback will be summarized in the plan and used to inform future coordination with communities, railroads, and state and federal partners. Please take about 5 minutes to share your thoughts and help shape the conversation about the future of rail in Idaho.
Figure below: Map of the existing rail lines in the state of Idaho. Idaho's only passenger rail stop is the Amtrak station in Sandpoint, ID. There are 1,828 miles of rail in the state, almost all owned by private rail companies.Map of Idaho's Rail Network A "Railbanked Line" refers to a rail corridor preserved for future use.
Community and Safety

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* 1. How important do you think rail is in your community?

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* 2. What concerns you most about highway rail at-grade crossings in your community? (Check all that apply)

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* 3. What rail investments or improvements would make the biggest difference in your community?

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* 4. ITD's primary role in investing in the state rail system is safety improvements at highway rail at-grade crossings. Are there types of improvements that you would like to see ITD focus on? (Check all that apply)

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* 5. What is the zip code of your community?

Passenger Rail

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* 6. Have you used Idaho’s only passenger rail route, Amtrak’s Empire Builder?

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* 7. If yes, how often?

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* 8. If passenger rail service were available in your community, would you use it?

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* 9. What factors would increase your use of the passenger rail system? (Check all that apply)

Shippers and Carriers

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* 10. Does your business/organization ship or receive goods that move via Idaho’s freight rail system?

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* 11. If yes, how often?

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* 12. How important is rail to your business's overall transportation strategy?

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* 13. What improvements would potentially increase your business’s use of freight rail in Idaho?

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* 14. Please expand upon your answer in #13 with any details that ITD should know in terms of needs on the freight rail system or improvements that would benefit your business. Provide locations, when available.

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* 15. Are there any ongoing or upcoming rail projects that should be listed in the plan? (Please include name of project, owner, and location information)

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* 16. Please rank the following strategies from most important to least important for Idaho and ITD to focus on as part of the Statewide Rail Plan? (#1 is most important, #9 is least important)

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* 17. Is there anything else you think we should know?

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* 18. Please provide your information if you would like to receive project updates. By including your email address below, you are giving ITD permission to send you email updates about this project.

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* 19. Please select what best describes you.

The following questions are optional and help ITD ensure we’re hearing from a broad range of Idaho residents and communities. Your responses are confidential and will only be reported in summary form.

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* 20. Please select what best describes you.

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* 21. Please select what best describes you.

 
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