a. Bridge restrictions on most lines limit car loadings to 263,000 lbs, meaning cars are not fully loaded.
b. Cost of improving Vermont's entire rail infrastructure to carry 286,000 pound railcars is estimated at approximately $118 million ($89 million for bridges and approximately $29 million for track [using national averages]). Recognizing that this level of funding is not readily available, priority routes have been selected.
c. Much of this work is "shovel-ready"
2. Bridge Maintenance On State-Owned Lines Is A State Responsibility
a. The cost to bring the state-owned bridges to 286,000 lb capacity is estimated at $51 million.
b. It's important to invest simultaneously in the private railroad infrastructure, to avoid competitive imbalance and because capital funds for private upgrades are not available.
3. Railcars that move not-fully-loaded lower Rail and Industrial Competitiveness and environmental efficiently
a. Moving product with less rail cars means lower transport costs for shippers
b. The ability to carry more improves railroad competitiveness with trucks and Vermont industry competitiveness with other shippers on 286,000 lb capacity lines.
