GAO's Office Study Looks At Freight Movement In Spokane Region

Last Friday, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on freight transportation and related congestion. The GAO did this study because projected increased in freight transportation by truck and train is expected to increase traffic congestion in coming years. Already, many people I've talked to are complaining about the increase in trains locally, which comes with an increase in wait times at railroad crossings. Personally, I've missed my bus several times recently because a train has come between me and the bus stop.

Government studies like this are published every day, so why do we care right? Well this particular study reviewed freight-related traffic congestion issues and mitigation projects at 12 communities to understand the types of local impacts communities are experiencing. Spokane was one of those communities. The GAO's office studied our Bridging the Valley project from the early 2000s and talked extensively to our Transportation Planner Ryan, as well as visiting the area to check out the situation in person.

It's interesting reading. Here's the report if you'd like to check it out.