Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Update

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA), the largest transportation district in Montana and a national leader in passenger rail issues, has brought the project of reinstating the former North Coast Hiawatha closer to fruition. The route, now called the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, is a preferred long-distance route in the Federal Railroad Administration’s study and also included in the federal government’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. As part of this program, the Authority was awarded $500,000 to create a detailed scope of work for the service development plan. Once this is in place, there is a commitment of additional funds for thorough planning and design work.

Recently, the Authority contracted with David Evans and Associates, Inc., along with Quandel Consultants, KLJ Engineering and the Steer Group, to create the detailed scope of work for the service development plan. Dave Strohmaier, BSPRA Chair, explained, “The ambitious goal of the Authority is to have 21st-century passenger rail services to operate by 2032 if Congress so chooses.”

The Big Sky North Coast Corridor is the only new long-distance route in the nation accepted into the Corridor Identification Program. The goal of the route, which would run from Chicago to Seattle and/or Portland through southern Montana, would be to have the on-time performance of twice-daily service in each direction and the development of connecting transportation services to outlying communities and destinations.

Congratulations, and thank you for your hard work, BSPRA! Learn more about their revitalization efforts at www.bigskyrail.org.