Traffic density

[MP173]

I have always been interested in traffic density. Often I have seen maps based on gross ton/miles, I believe, which would indicate the tonnage a line handled.

I have also seen, recently in a Trains issue the UP map with the number of trains per day. Also, in the July, 2003 special issue on Chicago, there was a feature "Where the trains are". The source for that info was the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Here is my question...how does one access information regarding traffic density (tonnage) or train frequency? Is it available on line, or by other means?

Thanks,

ed

[MP173]

Thanks Mark.

I pretty much figured that info would be pretty much locked up, post 9-11.

Trains had a really neat map not too long ago with the tonnage figures into and out of Chicago for the 1970's and today. Really interesting to see how the traffic patterns have changed with line rationalization and mergers.

I really think the rail industry is at a point where something is going to have to be done for future capacity. I gather that your column in this months Trains addresses that issue. I look at those tonnage/train figures and it is very obvious most main lines that are still around...are approaching capacity.

This sort of ties in with the CN-UP rerouting we discussed earlier. At most, the CN would be eliminating one or two trains daily on the GTW line. Those "slots" will be easily filled.

I look back at my tenure here in NW Indiana and how the traffic has changed and increased. CSX made some horrible decisions (for the long term future) regarding route eliminations. The Conrail era in the 70's pretty much wiped viable lines off of the map (EL and critically around Chicago the Kankakee Belt Route). What would the value of the Kankakee Belt Line be today as a "tollway"?

NS seemed pretty smart about their rationalization. I thought they would really downgrade the Ft. Wayne - Chicago line (I think CSX would have), but they didnt. While it is not nearly as busy as 10 years ago, it still cards about 25 daily trains, perhaps more.

Stratigically, several of the old lines, such as the Milwaukee Road Pacific extention (covered oh so well by this forum this fall), EL, and others should have been railbanked. But that is, of course 20 - 20 hindsite vision.

More later, time for more Thanksgiving gathering.

ed