Rail Outloading Capability Study, Fort Polk, Louisiana,
Abstract
In July 1976, a request from FORSCOM for a rail outloading capability study of Fort Polk, Louisiana, was received by MTMC. The principal objective of the study was to determine Fort Polk's capability to support the deployment of the 5th Infantry Division and deployable units of the United States Strategic Army Forces. The scope of the study was to include also any physical improvements that could significantly increase present capabilities of Fort Polk, as well as consideration of commercial facilities within 25 miles of the post. The main entrance to Fort Polk is on US Highway 171, approximately 3 miles south of Leesville, Louisiana. To fulfill this request, an onsite survey was conducted at Fort Polk, 3 through 7 October 1976, by a MTMC engineer. The major findings of the survey and the ensuing analysis are that the existing usable rail trackage and facilities will support a maximum outloading rate of approximately 64 flatcars per 24-hour day. However, Fort Polk's outloading capability is restricted severely by lack of outloading plans, materials, and other essential elements. Physical improvements -- such as rehabilitation of tracks, installation of lighting, and construction of end-ramps -- and the other needed elements could provide an outloading capability of up to 254 railcar loads per 24-hour day. Commercial rail facilities within 25 miles of Fort Polk were found to be in generally fair condition; however, at present, none are suitable for volume outloading of equipment. Findings and recommendations contained in this report are based on analysis of data obtained during the field study and other pertinent information relating to Fort Polk activities at that time. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA101755
Entities
People
- John H. Grier
- Robert L. Bolton