National Rail Freight Infrastructure Capacity and Investment Study

The National Rail Freight Infrastructure Capacity and Investment study provides an assessment of the long-term capacity expansion needs of the continental U.S. freight railroads. It focuses on 52,340 miles of primary rail freight corridors — about one-third of all continental U.S. rail freight miles.

The study estimates that meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s projected 88 percent increase in demand for rail freight transportation in 2035 will require an investment in infrastructure of $148 billion (in 2007 dollars) over the next 28 years. Class I railroads' share is projected to be $135 billion, with $13 billion projected for short line and regional freight railroads.

The study was commissioned by the AAR at the request of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.

Final Report
Download the National Rail Freight Infrastructure Capacity and Investment Study. Prepared for Association of American Railroads by Cambridge Systematics, Inc., click here.

See what transportation policy leaders have to say about the report
Click here to view statements of support from:

Susan Molinari Norm Mineta

Jack Quinn IANA

Capacity Maps: Current and Future
Click Here for capacity maps of today's capacity and tomorrow's needs. (PDF)

Current Capacity
Future Without Improvements

Future With Improvements
Download All Three Maps

AAR Information

Infrastructure Tax Incentive (AAR Web page)

New Report Highlights the Need for More Freight Rail Capacity
(Media Advisory)

Landmark Study Puts Rail Infrastructure Needs at $148 Billion
(Press Release)

Re-regulation doesn’t work, says Wash Times.
Washington Times Editorial (PDF)

Infrastructure Tax Credit: FAQ (PDF)

Capacity Expansion Act Brief (PDF)