ODOT State Rail Plan Online Meeting

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Welcome!

The purpose of this meeting is to:

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Introduce the Oklahoma State Rail Plan and explain how it supports the passenger and freight rail system throughout the state of Oklahoma.

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Answer any questions and receive your comments

Rail bridge Railway Rail crossing

Overview of ODOT Rail Division

Overview of
ODOT Rail Division

  • Established in 1989
  • Implements rail-related policies
  • Analyzes rail infrastructure and operations
  • Plans & coordinates rail projects
  • Oversees rail-highway safety and inspection
  • State liaison to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Manages 150-miles of state-owned railroad

What is the Oklahoma State Rail Plan?

What is the
Oklahoma State Rail Plan?

  • Defines what the system is today
  • Determines needs for the future
  • Integrates with other ODOT plans
  • Includes stakeholder input — ODOT wants to hear from you!
2018

Why Update the Oklahoma State Rail Plan?

Why Update
the Oklahoma State Rail Plan?

The Federal Government requires states to develop, maintain, and update rail plans (49 CFR 266.15). State Rail Plans must be:

  • Based on a comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing planning process for all transportation services within the state.
  • Developed with an opportunity for participation by persons interested in rail activity in the state and adjacent states, where appropriate.

Additional Reasons for Update:

  • Gain guidance for future rail priorities from dialogue with stakeholders and general public.
  • Develop a list of potential rail improvement projects from stakeholder input.
  • Communicate rail’s benefits and role in Oklahoma with public and decision-makers.
  • Compile factual information on Oklahoma’s rail network.

Goals & Objectives

Goals & Objectives

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Economic Competitiveness: Expand rail capacity to support economic growth opportunities and to accommodate freight and passenger transportation demand.

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Multimodal Connectivity: Provide and maintain freight and passenger modal choice by improving the rail system and expanding multimodal transportation options in and between major population centers.

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Asset Management and Safety: Provide a safe and secure rail system that complies with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure Oklahoma’s rail infrastructure is maintained in a state of good repair.

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Secure Funding: Identify stable and sufficient funding secured for a program of rail investments to support constructing, operating, and maintaining Oklahoma’s rail network.

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Promote Rail: Foster understanding and appreciation of the benefits of rail as a cost-effective, safe, secure, environmentally sound, and energy efficient means of freight and passenger transportation among elected officials, the business community, and the public.

Stakeholders

Who are the Oklahoma State Rail Plan stakeholders?

Stakeholders: Oklahoma citizens, Advocacy organizations, Railroads, Neighboring states, State, regional, and local officials, Planning organizations, Public agencies

Definitions

Collage showing diferent kinds of rail transportation and freight systems.

Click image to expand.

  • FRA: Federal Railroad Administration
  • Class I Railroad: A major, continental railroad with revenue in excess of $900 million per year
  • Class III Railroad: A railroad with revenue less than $40.4 million per year, commonly referred to as a “short line” railroad
  • Intermodal Freight: The use of truck trailers or shipping containers that can be easily interchanged between various modes (truck, train, maritime)
  • Multimodal: Encompassing any number of different modes of transportation
  • Intercity/Commuter Rail: Designations for passenger rail systems
  • MPO: Metropolitan Planning Organization

FRA Guidance Format

FRA Guidance
Format

Executive Summary

  1. The Role of Rail in Statewide Transportation (Overview)
  2. The State’s Existing Rail System:
    1. Description and Inventory
    2. Trends and Forecasts
    3. Rail Service Needs and Opportunities
  3. Proposed Passenger Rail Improvements and Investments
  4. Proposed Freight Rail Improvements and Investments
  5. The State’s Rail Service and Investment Program
  6. Coordination and Review Technical Appendix

Statewide Proposed Passenger Rail Projects

Statewide Proposed Passenger Rail Projects

View projects
on the GIS map

Click image to expand.

Statewide Proposed Freight Rail Projects

Statewide Proposed Freight Rail Projects

View projects
on the GIS map

Click image to expand.

Schedule

Spring 2021: Project Kick-Off, Passenger/freight stakeholder meetings (2). Summer 2021: Online public meeting and comments, Fall 2021: Draft Oklahoma State Rail Plan published, Winter 2021: ODOT review and Rail Plan finalized.

How Can I Stay Informed and Get Involved?

How Can I Stay Informed
and Get Involved?

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PARTICIPATE
in a commenting opportunity

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MAIL
Oklahoma State Rail Plan
c/o ODOT Rail Division
200 N.E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

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VISIT
www.oklahoma.gov/odot
and search “Oklahoma State Rail Plan”

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CONTACT
Rail Division
405-521-4203
Rail@ODOT.org

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