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FunnelFan, There are two tracks on the viaduct from Sunset Juntion to just west of the Amtrak Station (Stevens St?) and from just east of the station (at Sprague/Division?) to the yard just east of the Hamilton Street Bridge. The third track is west and east alongside the Amtrak station (isn't there a fourth there?). A third track along the entire length would seem to present issues with adjacent commercial buildings. It is rather crowded through downtown Spokane, and those property values are not enhanced by any track expansion projects. You might be able to add a third or fourth track from the Amtrak station east (more of a low rent district), but west may be another matter. If indeed this Athol to Spokane consolidation takes place, are you saying for a fact that it will be triple track all the way from Athol to Sunset Junction? Is UP better off giving up their own tracks to use those of their prime competitor? Is UP planning on ripping out the valley tracks, or will they keep them as "insurance". If UP and BNSF are so prone to cooperation, why haven't they looked at joint usage from Fish Lake to a new West Cheney double crossover, and eliminate that last stretch of westbound 1% (using UP's line as the westbound and the ex-NP as the eastbound)? Can't be anymore expensive than two additional bridges across the Spokane River at Trentwood to accomodate the desire for triple track. The same could be looked at between Sandpoint and Athol, or even Bonners Ferry to Athol. Heck, maybe even Fish Lake all the way to Pasco! Why spend money on new sidings and double track stretches when tracks are already available for directional running on distantly separated double track? If UP is sold on this usage of more and more of BNSF's tracks, then that might be an indicator that the SI is more important to CP than to UP.
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