1. Subcommittee on Rail Transportation
ARIZONA STATE RAIL PLAN
AASHTO
Subcommittee on Rail Transportation
September, 2010 1

2. ADOT Planning Process Evolution
Statewide Planning Process
ADOT Planning Process Evolution

3. Sun Corridor Megaregion
Sun Corridor will include 85% of state population by 2050
Two-thirds of housing units yet to be built
Half of the Transportation Infrastructure to be built
Opportunity for new sustainable urban development paradigm
Phoenix
Tucson
Nogales
Prescott
Yuma
Flagstaff
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments

4. Southwest Transportation Network
Strong E-W connections
Connectivity with LA / Long Beach Ports
Need for better N-S network
ERIC ANDERSON
Inland Port opportunities.
Two class 1 railroads pass through the state.
We have the LA / Long Beach ports – the largest in the US. A lot of frieght handling activities.
Heavy congestion – both rail and highway due to trucks.
Addition of I-11 adds to the access to the intermountain west – Can we develop value added services for existing freight flows?
Expansion of the Guaymas port and expansion of manufacturing activity in Mexico may be another opportunity.
Development of Punta Colonet could be a major factor in how Arizona’s logistics and freight industry might develop.
Rail connections – using Arizona’s new P3 law, could help in the redevelopment of the Wellton Branch and the link to Mexico.

5. Existing Rail Network Two Class I Transcontinental Routes
Phoenix Metro Area served by Subdivisions
Connection to Mexico at Nogales
These projects are the end result of a long process with many steps

6. State Rail Plan Outline
Rail Vision and Benefits
Goals, Objectives, and Rail benefits
Inventory of Existing Conditions
Issues, Opportunities, and Needs
Passenger Service
Network Requirements
Safety and Congestion Mitigation
Prioritization of Proposed Rail Actions
Potential Rail Actions
Recommended Priorities
Implementation Plan
Potential Funding Strategies
Appendix

7. Issues and Opportunities
Passenger Rail Service
Intercity Rail Service (including Amtrak)
High Speed Rail
Commuter Rail
Tourist Railroads
Network Requirements
Transcontinental Corridors
Intermodal and distribution systems
Class I Branch and Shortline Railroads
Safety and Congestion Mitigation
Grade Separations and Safety Improvements
Capacity enhancements

8. Passenger Rail Priorities
Intercity and Commuter Rail System
Intercity Rail provides transit backbone for Sun Corridor
Prescott/Flagstaff to Nogales
Phased Implementation
Phoenix to Tucson highest priority
PHX-TUC Intercity AA Study
Seamless coordination with Commuter Rail
ADOT is moving forward with the AA study for the PHX – TUC corridor, and will kick off the study in September.

9. Passenger Rail Priorities
Establish a Western High Speed Rail Network
Obtain Federal Designation
Complete Feasibility and Route Studies
Possible connections to California, Nevada, and New Mexico
Partner with adjacent state DOTs / Western HSR Alliance
ADOT is currently in discussions with CalTrans and NDOT about how and when to move forward with a request for federal designation.

10. Other Passenger Rail Opportunities
Partner with Amtrak to improve existing service
Southwest Chief (BNSF)
Sunset Limited (UPRR)
Provide service to Phoenix Metro Area
Partner with Class I Railroads to implement operational improvements along branch lines
Enhancements along BNSF Phoenix Subdivision (Peavine)
Rehabilitation of UPRR Wellton Branch
Efficiency improvements along UPRR Nogales Subdivision
Amtrak would like to pursue upgrades to increase ridership on the Sunset Limited route, daily service, linking with Texas Eagle, expand shuttle bus service – primarily to Phoenix. Amtrak would like to bring service back to the Phoenix Metro area, which could drastically increase ridership.
ADOT wants to show local support for these changes –
Pinal County BOS, MAG Regional Council, have passed resolutions of support. City of Tucson has a draft resolution for consideration. ADOT is currently in discussions with other organizations, such as PAG and CAAG to pass resolutions of support.

11. Recommended Implementation
Short Term (within 5 years)
Implementation Action
Description
High Speed Rail Corridors
Obtain federal designation of the recommended HSR corridors, and complete feasibility and route studies
Sunset Limited Improvements
Partner with Amtrak to increase frequency of service along the Sunset Limited route
Phoenix to Tucson Intercity Rail Study
Establish environmental clearance for the Phoenix to Tucson intercity rail corridor
Freight and Rail Advisory Council (FRAC)
Continue involvement of the FRAC in prioritizing and identifying freight rail improvement projects
Grade Separation Program
Establish a program that prioritizes and implements key grade separation projects throughout the state
Rail Preservation Program
Establish a program that can preserve abandoned rail corridors for future use

12. Recommended Implementation
Intermediate Term (within 10 years)
Implementation Action
Description
Commuter Rail
Partner with MAG and PAG to plan commuter rail systems within the Phoenix and Tucson areas
Rehabilitation of the Wellton Branch
Reinstating rail service along the UPRR Wellton Branch will provide an opportunity to return intercity service to Phoenix
Amtrak Service to Phoenix
Routing the Sunset Limited service to Phoenix could be an initial step to more frequent trains service between Phoenix and Tucson
Additional Amtrak Intercity Service
Establish more frequent Amtrak service between PHX and TUC, and if feasible between PHX and Los Angeles
Phoenix to Las Vegas Multi-Modal Corridor
Completing the scoping process for the “I-11 Corridor” from Phoenix to Las Vegas, including the Hassayampa Corridor
Transcontinental Rail Corridors
Implement improvements to transcontinental rail corridors
Short Line Assistance Program
Implement a program which can provide financial assistance for improvements to short line and tourist railroads

13. Recommended Implementation
Long Term (within 20 years)
Implementation Action
Description
Intercity Rail Service between Phoenix and Tucson
Design, construct, and operate an intercity rail system connecting Phoenix and Tucson
Extensions of Intercity Rail for the Sun Corridor
Complete corridor studies and obtain environmental clearance for extensions of the intercity rail system north of Phoenix and south of Tucson
Intermodal and Freight Logistic Centers
Based on recommendations provided by the FRAC, plan and implement new facilities at key locations

14. Funding Options Federal Funds State & Local Funds
FRA High Speed Rail Grants
New Federal Funding via Re-authorization
FHWA Surface Transportation Program
FHWA Section 130, Grade Crossing Safety Improvements
FHWA Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Funds
State & Local Funds
State & Local Match Options 14

15. Information & Assistance: Arizona Department of Transportation
Additional
Information & Assistance:
Arizona Department of Transportation
Multimodal Planning Division
Shannon L. Scutari, Esq. Director, Rail & Sustainability Services
Mike Normand, AICP
Director of Community & Grant Services
Michael Kies, AECOM
Consultant PM – State Rail Plan

16. Websites: