Rail Plan
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What is the Freight
& Rail Plan?
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is creating the first combined State Freight & Rail Plan.
The State Freight & Rail Plan will assess all freight modes, identify needs and issues, provide recommendations for policies, programs, processes, and identify potential projects that improve efficiency, reliability and safety. The State Freight and Rail Plan will rely on private sector shippers and carriers, state and local agencies and public input to direct future freight and rail transportation in the state.
Final Plan
Executive Summary
Final Plan Chapters 1-10
Appendix A: Stakeholder and Public Engagement
Appendix B: Passenger Rail System
Appendix C: FAF, Transearch, and Streetlight Analyses
Appendix D: Rail Projects
Appendix E: Freight Investment Plan
Appendix F: IIJA and FRA Rail Plan Checklists
At a Glance
Ensure safe freight and rail transportation
Provide efficient and reliable freight and rail service
Increase economic development opportunities through expansion
Fund future freight and rail improvements
Define ND’s role in freight and rail transportation
Plan Goals
The five goals of the State Freight and Rail Plan align with Transportation Connection, North Dakota’s Long-Range Transportation Plan adopted in June 2021.
Safety is reflected in everything we do.
We are continually innovating and improving what we do to make sure you are safe and secure whether driving, biking, or walking.
- Implement data-driven and proven safety improvements for all users
- Provide comprehensive safety education and information with transportation partners
- Encourage adoption and implementation of safety technologies
- Deploy infrastructure technology with proven safety benefits
- Anticipate future risks and security threats
- Support effective emergency response and disaster mitigation efforts
Fixing what we have is our priority.
We are maintaining our existing infrastructure to save money down the road and addressing risks to keep that system working for you.
- Preserve the condition of all transportation infrastructure to serve critical functions
- Focus on routine and preventative maintenance activities aligned with customer expectations
- Reduce risk to transportation infrastructure from extreme weather events
- Enhance maintenance activities that support future technology deployment
Transportation Matters.
We are leveraging transportation investments to enhance economic competitiveness and improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
- Connect people, businesses, and communities across the state and to the world
- Improve and expand interregional and interstate trade and commerce transport
- Enhance North Dakota’s natural resources and expand recreational access to natural places for residents, businesses, and visitors
- Consider potential of infrastructure assets for future travel alternatives and technology deployment
Transportation Should be easy.
We are leveraging transportation investments to enhance economic competitiveness and improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
- Provide travel reliability and performance on state roads
- Improve seasonal maintenance and response times
- Provide easier transportation options and access for all travelers
- Improve access to and ease of traveler services
- Expand availability of travel and transportation information and resources
- Collaborate with transportation planning partners at the tribal, federal, state, regional and local levels
We work for you.
We are making smart investments in how we deliver services and are looking for responsible ways to fund our transportation system well into the future.
- Invest in future transportation workforce, data, and technology
- Focus on customers by modernizing services, travel information, and business functions
- Make strategic operational and infrastructure investments to increase efficiency, capacity, and performance
- Ensure sustainable and responsible funding for future transportation improvements that maximize return on investment
- Evaluate collaborative grant and partnership opportunities to advance community and economic transportation improvements
- Align investment strategies to deliver on customer expectations
Plan Timeline
