Increase in train traffic raises concerns

There’s no question that there will be an increase in train activity passing through Cheney and the West Plains in the near future.

There is a $26 million shuttle loading grain terminal scheduled to be built at the intersection of Craig and Medical-Lake-Four Lakes roads. Grain cooperatives organized under Highline Grain LLC will assemble and load 110-car unit trains. Burlington Northern Santa Fe engines will pick up these trains and haul them back to BNSF lines intersecting at Cheney via the Eastern Washington Gateway branch of the Palouse River Coulee City Railway.

There is also a new rail spur being constructed in Airway Heights along the Geiger Spur.

In an interview with the Tri-City Herald, BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said the cargo volume on its trains, which includes crude oil from North Dakota, could top records set in 2006. There are also more trains sitting on the sidings, waiting for traffic to pass.

The increase in train activity will bring some benefits to the West Plains’ economy. Trains will transport large quantities of steel and other manufactured goods, which could potentially reduce the number of large trucks on the highway.

While government officials and businesses may see the upcoming train traffic as a good business opportunity and growth for this area, there are financial, safety and social costs that need to be addressed.

One of the concerns relates to the current conditions of the tracks. The 6.9 miles of tracks going from Cheney to the grain terminal will need to be upgraded in order to accommodate the heavier trains coming through the city.

The issue lies in paying to upgrade the tracks. BNSF plans to spend $189 million in upgrades across Washington state in order to prepare for its increased cargo volume. These improvements include the replacement of almost 50 miles of track and 200,000 rail ties and 1,000 miles of track surfacing and undercutting. The Palouse River Coulee City has applied for state money, $50 million in the Senate’s proposed transportation budget.

Another concern relates to potential disasters that come with increased train traffic. Back in January, a 30-car grain train derailed the Cheney-Spokane Road crossing, which was closed for two days.

This was a small incident but imagine if a 110-car train jumped the tracks at the Cheney-Plaza Road crossing, SR 904 and Betz Road, or other crossings near populated areas. What if there was a fire or an emergency and American Medical Response vehicles were unable to get to someone who needed help because a train was stalled or derailed on the tracks. What if someone needed to get to the hospital, but had to wait until the train went by.

If someone passes away because they didn’t receive the help they needed, who will pay?

The city of Cheney has proposed rerouting train tracks under SR 904 and to the east to alleviate the potential safety and social costs from increased train traffic. The cost to construct a grade separation and a train underpass could be around $30 million.

While the Palouse River County City Railway has been allocatedmoney in the state Senate’s proposed transportation bill, the money isn’t tagged for a train underpass at SR 904.

While construction on the grain terminal and rail spur are moving forward, businesses and government officials cannot ignore these concerns. They need to address these matters and create some solutions before people get hurt and lawsuits start pouring in.