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BNSF vs. The Pacific N.W., Yet Another Round?
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[quote]QUOTE: <i>Originally posted by kenneo</i> <br /><br />[quote]QUOTE: <i>Originally posted by futuremodal</i> <br /> <br />A third option is to relocate a new PCE further south west of Missoula, connecting Missoula to Lewiston ID wherein WATCO's ex-Camas Prairie lines operate and connect with both UP and BNSF at Ayer. BNSF runs a local from Pasco to Ayer to pick up it's share of the WATCO traffic via trackage rights over UP. [/quote] <br /> <br />There is yet another option, at lease physically. From the location where the PCE leaves the valley to climb Pipestone Pass, continue south on the old NP branch, extending it to Dillon and then utilize the basic alignment of the old UP branch to Leadore, ID and then down the Lemhi Valley to Salmon, ID, thence down the Salmon to the Snake and thence the Snake to Lewiston. <br /> <br />Yes, I know about the "River of No Return Primitive Areas and the Scenic River Recreation area, but - espicially if the line is electrified - this might be a doable thing. This (from Leadore) was "the other choice" for the OSL. With a new alignment over Bannock Pass, a train could go from Chicago to Seattle without benefit of a helper. The other "bad" part is that although there was once a railroad between Leadore and Salmon, and the R-o-W is still there, it is now known as Idaho 28. <br />[/quote] <br /> <br />Well, that's a whole 'nother ballgame, but it is interesting you bring it up, because there is another movement afoot to "rationalize" the current transportation corridor that exists between the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness north of the Salmon River and the River of No Return Wilderness mostly south of the Salmon River. That corridor, such as it is, is called the Magruder Corridor, and it is an embarrassment to anyone who would consider it a viable transport pathway. It is basically a jeep trail, following the historic path of the Nez Perce Indians and Chief Joseph as they attempted to excape to Canada. What some have suggested (myself among them) is to replace the Magruder Corridor with a newer transportation corridor closer to the north side of the Salmon River. This would keep the max elevation down to respectable levels, with a max elevation of about 5600' east of Dixie, and would basically follow the north bank to Salmon Idaho along US 93 (and the historic western terminus of railroad you mentioned). The point at this time is not to actually build something, but rather to preserve the transportation corridor from further wilderness designation. This corridor could be used for either a two lane highway or a railroad, but not both. <br /> <br />The old railroad from the Beaverhead River near Dillon to Salmon ran over Bannock Pass at about 7600' elevation, with several switchbacks on both sides. I don't know what the ruling grade was but I expect it was steeper than what one would want today. But the rest of the line was splendid, and is now the alignment of Idaho Highway 28. If you ever drive that highway, you get a real appreciation for straightline railroad ROW engineering!
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