New study confirms a transportation future without Lower Snake River dams, opportunity opens to voice support

Feb 6

Study Overview

Updated information from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Lower Snake River Dams Study shows promising options for updating infrastructure that can provide services to local stakeholders with a free-flowing Snake River. The update comes as part of an analysis WSDOT is conducting of the road, rail, and barge systems in eastern Washington to understand the impacts if the four lower Snake River dams are removed. This study is essential to determine the effects of shifting the movement of freight and goods that currently move by barge to instead be transported by truck and rail. The agriculture industry has relied on barges as one method of shipping goods, particularly wheat, to Portland. When the 4 lower Snake River dams in eastern Washington are breached, barging in this area will no longer be a viable option, though will still exist downstream on the Columbia River.

Transportation Scenarios

Using a diversion model to estimate the changes in train, truck, and barge traffic, the WSDOT study team has identified and evaluated seven scenarios to describe current and future transportation conditions if the Lower Snake River dams remain in place or are removed. Scenarios 1 - 4, described as Benchmark Scenarios, look at how transportation would function with and without the dams, but do not include any changes to rail or road infrastructure. For example, Scenario 1 reflects existing conditions for the base year (2020) with the dams in place, while Scenario 4 reflects future conditions (2045) with the dams removed.

Scenarios 5, 6, and 7 are Future Mitigation Scenarios that present changes to rail and/or road infrastructure in a scenario where the four lower Snake River dams are removed. These future scenarios are all based on 2045 estimated conditions and are compared to Benchmark Scenario 3 (conditions in 2045 with the dams in place). The model estimates change to four categories in each scenario:

Annual grain tonnage flows
Annual barge volumes
Annual train volumes
Peak daily trucks

Scenario 7: Fewer trucks, reduced pollution

The final scenario includes a combination of new shortline and unit train rail terminals, new track, and rail line improvements using 2045 conditions. Findings on this scenario indicate that replacing barge services with rail options could reduce regional truck miles by over 18 million per year. Rail and road improvements to replace barging would lead to fewer trucks on the road, helping reduce pollution in the region. Additionally, this scenario reflects only a modest increase in rail traffic (approximately 4 trains/week through the Gorge). This scenario is estimated at an $8M annual increase in transportation cost when compared to the $150 - $278M currently spent annually to maintain aging dams.

How to leave a comment by February 9th

WSDOT is seeking your opinion on these scenarios by February 9th via their online open house. Navigating the open house site can be tricky. To comment, click the direct links below to navigate to the specific feedback pages. As stated on the website, comments in favor of or in opposition to removing the dams or impacts on salmon are outside the scope of this study.

1. Annual Train Volumes

Direct Link: https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/lsrd-annual-train-volumes /surveys/scenario-7-changes-in-annual-train-volume

What this section covers: This section shows how train traffic changes depending on rail infrastructure improvements, such as the use of large unit train terminals versus shortline rails.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the comment box to leave your opinion.

Example comment:

"I support the expansion of rail infrastructure in Eastern Washington. The projected change in train volumes is a positive development for the state. Expanding rail capacity is essential because it expands safety, improves freight mobility, and significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to current operations."

Click SUBMIT.

2. Peak Daily Trucks

Direct Link: https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/lsrd-peak-daily-trucks/surveys/scenario-7-changes-in-peak-daily-trucks

What this section covers: This section analyzes truck traffic during the harvest season (peak traffic conditions) and how freight moves to rail terminals or barge ports under different scenarios.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the comment box to leave your opinion.

Example Comment:

"I strongly support Scenario 7. The data shows that shifting to this model results in a reduction of over 18 million truck miles per year. This is a huge benefit to the region by reducing carbon emissions, pollution, and wear and tear on roads."