摘要: |
A grain elevator north of Pontiac, lllinois desires to participate in UP's new 75 car 'shuttle' train service program. To do so, the elevator needs to re-configure its track layout so to allow for a more expedited (fifteen hour), continuously-coupled carloading operation. The elevator has requested loan funds, from the Department's Rail Freight Program, for the purpose of constructing a 4,500 ft. loop track, which would allow for the loading of one hundred 65' jumbo hopper cars. The following analysis seeks to determine whether the benefits of constructing the subject loop track exceed the costs, thereby making a trackwork investment eligible for State loan funds. |