New railroad bridge would correct ill-conceived bypass

The inevitable construction by the BNSF railroad of a second bridge near Sandpoint provides an opportunity for the community to repair the damage caused by the ill-considered Sand Creek Bypass and to plan for a system of highways and railroads that makes sense.

Several years ago, I suggested that a transportation corridor be established starting at the Algoma Pond, extend directly north and cross the Pend Oreille River in the vicinities of Springy Point and Rocky Point, and connect to the existing location of the GN railroad. Phase One would be the construction railroad along of this portion of the corridor.

Construction of the first phase would provide the double track rail line through Sandpoint needed by BNSF. Westbound trains hauling coal and oil would pass through Bonners Ferry and use the tracks described above. This would significantly reduce the miles of exposure to the waters of the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille. The empty oil and coal cars would use the existing bridge and Montana Rail Link.

JOSEPH HENRY WYTHE

Sandpoint

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