Miles of Railroad Track Laid on Main Lines for United States
Q0284AUSQ376NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
3,919.00
Year-over-Year Change
181.94%
Date Range
1/1/1872 - 7/1/1887
Summary
The 'Miles of Railroad Track Laid on Main Lines for United States' metric measures the total length of new railroad track constructed on the main rail network across the country.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic indicator provides insight into the level of investment and expansion within the U.S. rail transportation infrastructure. It is closely watched by transportation analysts, infrastructure planners, and policymakers to gauge the health and growth trajectory of the national rail system.
Methodology
The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.
Historical Context
Trends in railroad track construction are a key input for evaluating the capacity and connectivity of the U.S. freight and passenger rail network.
Key Facts
- New railroad track construction peaked in 2018 at over 1,100 miles.
- The U.S. has over 140,000 total miles of railroad track across its main lines.
- Freight railroads account for over 40% of U.S. freight transportation by ton-miles.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the total miles of new railroad track constructed on the main lines of the U.S. rail network.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Monitoring rail infrastructure investment is crucial for evaluating the capacity, connectivity, and modernization of the national freight and passenger rail system.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is reported by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration based on industry surveys and administrative records.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, transportation planners, and infrastructure investors use this metric to assess the health and development of the U.S. rail network.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published quarterly with a lag of several months.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Miles of Railroad Track Laid on Main Lines for United States (Q0284AUSQ376NNBR), retrieved from FRED.