Idaho Statewide Rail Plan

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?

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important

Not so important

Not at all important

Other (please specify)

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

Delays and congestion caused by blocked crossings from stopped/slow trains

Noise and vibrations from train traffic

Safety infrastructure at crossings (signs, signals, crossing gates)

Pedestrian safety at railroad crossings

Driver or pedestrian behavior near rail crossings

Rail carrying hazardous materials

Other (please specify)

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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)

More emphasis on highway rail at-grade separations

More emphasis on rail crossing warning devices (e.g., signals, gates, etc.)

More emphasis on highway safety improvements at grade crossing (e.g., rumble strips, lightings, turn lanes, etc.)

Other (please specify)

I'm not sure

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

33% of survey complete.