ktvq.com reported that train traffic through Billings potentially could more than double, with increased shipments of coal going from the Power River Basin to the west coast and eventually to Asia.

A new report released Wednesday, says the boost in rail traffic will likely take place within the next five to 10 years.

The report titled, "Heavy Traffic Ahead," says Billings and Spokane, Washington will see the biggest increase in train traffic.

The author of the report says the key is to get people talking about how best to handle the increased traffic.

The study shows about 30 to 40 trains a day travel through Billings . But with Coal production in the Powder River Basin expected to increase to 75-million tons in five years and 170-million tons in 10 years, that could add another 22 trains by 2017 and another 57 coal trains by 2022

Source - ktvq.com

(www.coalguru.com)