Russian War Debt 9-30-25

Russia's government debt is expected to increase in 2025 due to a widening budget deficit fueled by high military spending and falling oil revenues. The country will rely heavily on domestic borrowing to finance this gap, as international capital markets remain largely inaccessible due to sanctions.  

Rising government debt

·       Borrowing more than planned: As of September 2025, Russia's Finance Minister stated the country would borrow more than originally planned for the year to cover a rising budget deficit. By July 2025, the Ministry of Finance had already issued 3.0 trillion rubles in bonds, a significant increase from the previous year.

·       Widening budget deficit: The government has repeatedly revised its 2025 budget deficit target upward. After initially projecting a deficit of 0.5% of GDP, it was raised to 1.7% in spring and then to 2.6% in September 2025. By mid-2025, the deficit had already neared its annual target, with spending outpacing revenue growth.

·       Increasing debt-to-GDP ratio: While Russia's overall debt-to-GDP ratio is still relatively low compared to many developed countries, it is projected to rise. Trading Economics forecasts it will reach 19.0% by the end of 2025, continuing an upward trend. 

Reasons for the increase

·       High military expenditure: Escalating costs for the war in Ukraine and increased funding for national defense and internal security have driven up government spending.

·       Lower oil and gas revenues: Volatile global energy markets have resulted in a decline in Russia's oil and gas revenues throughout 2025, limiting the government's income and putting greater pressure on its finances.

·       Domestic financing: With sanctions cutting Russia off from Western capital markets, the government is primarily relying on domestic borrowing and draining its National Wealth Fund (NWF) to cover the deficit.

·       High borrowing costs: The high domestic interest rates set by the Central Bank to combat inflation make domestic borrowing expensive for the government. 

Implications and risks

·       Fiscal stress: The widening budget deficit and increasing debt indicate worsening fiscal stress, especially as liquid reserves in the NWF are being rapidly depleted.

·       Unsustainable trajectory: Analysts from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute and others have warned that the current fiscal trajectory is unsustainable and could threaten Russia's financial stability, particularly if global oil prices decline further.

·       Further tax hikes and austerity: As options for financing the deficit narrow, the Kremlin has increased taxes on corporations and individuals and may consider further tax hikes or cuts to non-essential spending in the future. 

Russia's Expected Debt Increase in 2025

Key Factors Driving Debt Increase

·       Growing Budget Deficit: Russia faces a record-breaking budget deficit, fueled by a decline in oil and gas revenues and a sharp increase in government spending, especially on defense.

·       Increased Domestic Borrowing: To cover the deficit and rising costs, the Russian government is relying more heavily on domestic borrowing through bond issuance.

·       High Borrowing Costs: The Central Bank's high interest rates, at 18%, make borrowing expensive, increasing debt servicing costs for the government and potentially displacing other spending priorities.

·       Shrinking National Welfare Fund: Liquid assets in the National Welfare Fund are decreasing, further necessitating debt issuance to finance the budget gap. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+russia%27s+debt+expected+to+increase+in+2025

Comments

Russia will suffer further losses as Ukraine’s Missles hit Russian Oil and Gas facilities. European countries will likely stop buying Oil and Gas from Russia.  Interest Rates are 18%, Government Debt is 19% and Debt-to-GDP is 2.6%. If India or Turkey lowers its Russian Oil and Gas Imports, Russia’s ability to continue funding their war on Ukraine will end.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Chinese Budget Deficit 9-30-25

China's budget debt is expected to increase significantly in 2025, driven by plans for a record budget deficit of 4% of GDP and a substantial increase in new debt issuance. The government aims to boost the economy and counter external pressures, leading to a higher overall national debt as a percentage of GDP.  

Key Drivers of Increased Debt in 2025:

Record Budget Deficit: China plans to run a budget deficit of 4% of GDP in 2025, an increase from 3% in 2024, to support the economy. 

Increased Debt Issuance: The government will issue a record RMB 11.86 trillion in new government debt, which is 2.9 trillion yuan more than the previous year. This includes ultra-long special treasury bonds to fund initiatives like a consumer goods trade-in program and infrastructure projects, as well as special bonds to recapitalize state-owned banks. 

Higher Fiscal Expenditure: The expansion in fiscal resources is part of a broader effort to fend off deflationary pressures and mitigate the impact of U.S. tariff threats. 

Consolidation of Off-Balance Sheet Debt: The ongoing "debt swap" will bring around RMB 2 trillion of previously off-balance sheet debt onto local government books, further adding to the official debt figures. 

Consequences of Rising Debt:

Higher Debt-to-GDP Ratio: The combination of higher deficits and increased debt issuance is projected to drive China's general government debt ratio to the high-60s percent of GDP in 2025. 

Increased Reliance on Borrowing: The 2025 budget reflects a growing reliance on borrowing to fund government spending and stimulate economic growth. 

Yes, China's budget debt is expected to increase significantly in 2025 as the government expands fiscal spending to stimulate the economy. This will be achieved through a larger official budget deficit and increased issuance of government bonds. 

Key details on China's 2025 debt increase:

·       Official budget deficit: The government's official deficit-to-GDP target was raised to 4% for 2025, up from 3% in 2024. This is the highest on record.

·       Expansion of government bonds: China plans to issue a total of 11.86 trillion yuan ($1.66 trillion) in new government debt in 2025. This includes quotas for:

o   Special local government bonds: 4.4 trillion yuan.

o   Special treasury bonds: 1.3 trillion yuan, with proceeds directed toward major infrastructure projects.

·       Significant off-budget borrowing: Analysts point out that the official deficit only tells part of the story. With transfers removed, China's total deficit for 2025 climbs to 9.61% of GDP, a record high. This accounts for borrowing through local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) and other off-budget channels.

·       Debt-to-GDP ratio: The debt-to-GDP ratio for all government debt is projected to continue its rise. In late 2024, it was reported at 68.7%, but a projection for 2025 puts the broader government debt figure, including hidden debt, at 88.0% of GDP. 

Why is China increasing its debt?

The expansion of debt and fiscal spending is a strategic move to address multiple economic challenges: 

·       Stimulating growth: Amid weak consumer confidence, a struggling real estate sector, and rising external trade headwinds, China is using fiscal expansion to meet its 2025 GDP growth target of "around 5%".

·       Tackling local government debt: A portion of the new bond issuance is a comprehensive plan to help local governments restructure their significant "hidden debt" accumulated over years of infrastructure financing.

·       Boosting domestic demand: Increased spending is directed at stimulating consumption through programs and boosting investment in infrastructure and technology.

·       Countering US tariffs: Fiscal support is a tool to mitigate the potential drag on the Chinese economy from expected US tariff hikes. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+china%27s+budget+debt+expected+to+increase+in+2025

Comments

China will continue to lose manufacturing as it returns to the US and other countries.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Iran in Economic Crisis 9-30-25

In 2025, Iran's economy is not collapsing but is experiencing a deep and multifaceted crisis characterized by high inflation, currency devaluation, and structural issues. Recent developments, including renewed international sanctions and geopolitical tensions, have exacerbated these challenges.  

Key economic indicators

·       Inflation: Inflation is a major issue, with projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) placing it at 43.3% in 2025, a rise from 32.6% in 2024. Other forecasts suggest it could surpass 50%.

·       Currency devaluation: The national currency has significantly devalued. According to one report, the free market exchange rate of the Iranian rial to the U.S. dollar dropped by 62% between January 2024 and January 2025. This has accelerated inflation and eroded the public's purchasing power.

·       GDP growth: Economic growth is modest to negative. The IMF upgraded its forecast for 2025 to a modest 0.6% growth in July 2025, but this followed a quarterly contraction of 0.1% in the spring, ending a four-year period of growth. Fitch Solutions projects even lower growth of 1.5% in the fiscal year 2025/26.

·       Foreign trade: Forecasts indicate a contraction in both exports (5% decline) and imports (9.6% decline) in 2025, reflecting a significant slowdown in trade activity.

·       Government debt: The IMF predicts that Iran's gross government debt will rise to nearly 40% of GDP in 2025. The government faces significant budget deficits, which it has historically financed through borrowing and printing money, further fueling inflation. 

Major factors driving the economic crisis

·       International sanctions: Renewed and tightened international sanctions are a primary cause of economic pressure. In September 2025, the "snapback" of United Nations sanctions, triggered by European countries, took effect. These measures reimpose arms, missile, and nuclear-related bans.

·       Geopolitical tensions: A brief conflict with Israel in June 2025 further destabilized the economy, contributing to a drop in revenues, weakened oil exports, and significant economic disruption.

·       Domestic mismanagement: Economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, and a lack of investment are long-standing, internal issues that contribute to structural imbalances and stifle growth.

·       Environmental crises: Severe and chronic water and electricity shortages are also disrupting agricultural and industrial production.

·       Social and political unrest: Escalating economic hardships are fueling public discontent and increasing the risk of widespread protests. In September 2025, activists reported growing anxiety among Iranians, who feel economic hardship is getting worse each year. 

Based on the latest available information from September 2025, Iran's economy is facing significant challenges, including a sharp contraction in the spring of 2025, rising inflation, and a weakening currency. 

Here's a closer look at the situation:

·       Economic Contraction: The economy shrank by 0.1% in the spring (first quarter of the Persian year 1404), ending four years of growth. Non-oil exports in June dropped by 34%.

·       Inflation: Inflation is projected to remain high, potentially exceeding 50% in the most pessimistic scenarios for 2025. The IMF projects it to rise to 43.3% in 2025.

·       Currency Devaluation: The Rial has depreciated significantly, with the US dollar surpassing 100,000 tomans in the free market as of March 2025.

·       Sanctions: The return of UN sanctions, set to take effect on September 27, 2025, will further impact the economy, targeting areas such as arms, missile activity, uranium enrichment, and financial transactions. 

While Iran's economy is under severe strain, some resilience has been observed:

·       Oil Production: Iran's crude oil production has grown steadily, reaching 3.308 million barrels per day in February 2025 despite sanctions. Oil exports, primarily to China, have continued, averaging 1.8 million bpd between February and July 2025.

·       IMF Forecast: The IMF projects modest GDP growth of 3.1% for Iran in 2025. 

Factors Affecting the Economy

·       Sanctions and Geopolitics: Decades of sanctions, along with recent geopolitical events like the conflict with Israel, have heavily impacted the economy, leading to revenue declines and disruptions.

·       Internal Issues: Economic mismanagement, corruption, budget deficits, and a lack of investment are significant internal drivers of the crisis.

·       Energy Subsidies: The reliance on energy subsidies (amounting to $163 billion in 2022, representing 27% of GDP) creates fiscal pressure and can fuel inflation if reduced.

·       Labor Market: The mass departure of Afghan workers has increased labor costs, especially in the construction sector.

·       Currency Volatility: The rapid devaluation of the Rial exacerbates inflation and instability. 

Outlook

·       Potential for Social Unrest: The combination of economic pressures, declining purchasing power, and eroding public trust increases the potential for social unrest and protests.

·       Reconstruction Needs: The recent conflict with Israel adds the burden of reconstruction costs, alongside pre-existing challenges like water and power shortages.

·       Diversification Efforts: Iran is actively diversifying its economy, focusing on non-oil sectors like manufacturing, steel, automotive, technology, and renewable energy.

·       Diplomacy: Future economic stability largely depends on the outcome of diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions relief, which could be complicated by the return of UN sanctions. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+iran%27s+economy+collapsing+in+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Worst Highways 9-29-25

AI Overview

The worst highways in the U.S. are often identified by high fatality rates and include Interstate 95 (I-95) on the East Coast, Interstate 4 (I-4) in Florida, and Interstate 285 (I-285) in Atlanta due to high traffic volume and congestion. Other highways frequently cited include Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 75 (I-75) and various dangerous roads in mountainous or high-traffic areas like Montana's Highway 2 and Colorado's Million Dollar Highway.  

High-Fatality Interstate Highways 

Interstate 95 (I-95): This major East Coast artery is often cited as the most dangerous due to its heavy traffic, high population density, and significant number of fatalities per 100 miles. 

Interstate 4 (I-4): Located in Florida, I-4 is known for a high volume of crashes and fatalities, partly due to heavy tourist congestion. 

Interstate I-5 As the primary West Coast interstate, I-5 carries significant traffic and has a high number of fatalities, particularly in densely populated areas of California. 

Interstate I-75 This route from Florida to Michigan also experiences high traffic and congestion, contributing to its dangerous reputation. 

Interstate 285 (I-285): The "Atlanta Perimeter" highway is known for heavy congestion and high traffic volume, leading to many accidents. 

Other Dangerous and Hazardous Roads

Highway 1 (Florida): This highway has one of the highest numbers of crashes and fatalities in Florida. 

Dalton Highway (Alaska): Known for its extreme remoteness, the Dalton Highway presents unique dangers for drivers who travel it. 

Million Dollar Highway (Colorado): A particularly challenging mountain road known for its steep cliffs and tight turns, it's considered especially dangerous for truck drivers. 

State Road 138 (California): Nicknamed the "Death Trap Highway," it features dangerous drop-offs, poor visibility, and sharp turns. 

Highway 2 (Montana): This route's vast, open stretches can encourage drivers to speed, leading to dangerous conditions. 

While it is difficult to name the single "worst" highway in the US due to varying metrics like congestion, safety, and road quality, several are consistently cited for being particularly bad. For safety, the most dangerous include I-95, I-20, and I-5, while for congestion, locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are frequently identified. Poor road conditions plague many state road systems, especially in Rhode Island and California. 

Most dangerous highways

Safety rankings often highlight long-distance interstates with high traffic volume and frequent junctions. Using fatality rates per 100 miles, some of the most consistently dangerous highways include:

·       Interstate 95: A main artery on the East Coast with the most total fatalities in the U.S. in 2019 and a high fatality rate per 100 miles. Factors contributing to its danger include heavy traffic, winter weather conditions in the Northeast, and congestion in metropolitan areas like Florida.

·       Interstate 20: Despite being shorter than other interstates, its path through high-traffic cities like Dallas, Jackson, and Atlanta contributes to its high accident rates and ranking as a deadly southern highway.

·       Interstate 5: Running parallel to the Pacific Coast, I-5 passes through several major California counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Its high volume of truck traffic and urban congestion contribute to a high number of fatalities.

·       Interstate 4: A shorter route connecting Tampa and Daytona Beach, this highway is considered the deadliest per-mile due to a deadly combination of tourist congestion and local commutes.

·       I-45, Texas

: The Houston area stretch of this highway is particularly deadly, with many accidents attributed to high traffic volume during peak hours.

·       Dalton Highway, Alaska

: A remote industrial road known for difficult terrain, steep grades, and few services, this highway is considered a treacherous route. 

Most congested highways

Heavy traffic is a top complaint for American drivers. According to analyses of vehicle hours lost to congestion, the most congested locations and highway stretches include:

Los Angeles, Ca

I-5 and I-405, particularly the infamous Sepulveda Pass on the 405, are notorious for gridlock. The entire metro area is consistently ranked among the most congested in the country. 

Chicago, Il

I-90 and I-290 contain multiple stretches that rank among the most congested road corridors in the US. 

New York City, Ny

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) and the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) are famously congested, with drivers losing significant time each year. 

Stamford, Ct

A section of I-95 Southbound between Westport and Stamford was named the most congested corridor in the US for vehicle hours lost. 

Atlanta, Ga

Interstates 75 and 285 in Atlanta are among the busiest in the country, with heavy traffic contributing to congestion. 

States with the worst overall roads

These states rank poorly based on road quality metrics like the percentage of roads in "poor" condition.

·       Rhode Island: Has some of the highest percentages of roads rated in poor condition, according to recent studies.

·       California: Ranks poorly due to widespread congestion and a high percentage of roads in "poor" condition, though it spends billions on infrastructure.

·       New Jersey and Hawaii: Both states have a significant percentage of their roads classified as being in poor condition.

·       New Mexico: Ranks among the worst states for overall road condition, with a high percentage of both urban and rural roads in poor shape. 

Factors contributing to bad highways

·       Funding issues: Despite a new federal infrastructure law, decades of deferred maintenance and inadequate funding have resulted in worsening road conditions.

·       High traffic volume: Many major interstates were not built to handle the sheer volume of traffic they now face, especially in and around densely populated cities.

·       Weather extremes: Temperature variations, freezing and thawing cycles, and heavy weather can cause significant damage to road surfaces over time, leading to potholes and cracks.

·       Construction and maintenance: Inconsistent standards and poorly managed repair projects can also contribute to worsening conditions. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+the+worst+highways+in+the+us

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Federal Funding of SR 400 in Atlanta 9-29-25

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) approved a $3.89 billion TIFIA loan through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program for the SR 400 Express Lanes Project, which is the largest single TIFIA loan ever issued. This federal loan, part of an overall $4.6 billion project budget, is designated for the public-private partnership that will expand the highway by adding tolled express lanes in both directions, per the Department of Transportation (.gov).  

Details of the Funding

• TIFIA Loan: The $3.89 billion loan comes from the TIFIA program and is considered the largest loan for a single borrower in the program's history. 
• Purpose: The loan will help finance the addition of two new toll lanes on a 16-mile stretch of SR 400, from the North Springs MARTA station to just north of McFarland Parkway. 
• Partnership: The loan is part of a public-private partnership (PPP) involving the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), and the project consortium, SR 400 Peach Partners, LLC. 
• Project Context: This financing is part of a larger $4.6 billion project to improve safety and mobility in the greater Atlanta metro area. 

The SR 400 express lanes expansion in Georgia is receiving a significant amount of federal funding as part of a public-private partnership. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has approved a loan of up to $3.89 billion through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), which is reportedly the largest TIFIA loan ever issued. 

Additionally, USDOT previously allocated up to $3.4 billion in Private Activity Bonds (PABs) to the project. This brings the total federal investment to approximately $7.5 billion. The financing package also includes a $184 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant. 

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Project Context

• The expansion involves adding tolled express lanes and transit infrastructure along 16 miles of SR 400.
• The overall project is part of a larger $11 billion, 56-year public-private partnership with SR 400 Peach Partners.
• The project also features a transit component, with Peach Partners contributing $75 million for future bus rapid transit (BRT) improvements. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+much+federal+funding+was+used+to+expand+sr-400

Comments

The expansion of SR-400 in Atlanta Metro includes “Toll Lanes” that reduce the “Free Lanes”. Navigating lanes increases the difficulty of using SR-400 and increases the chance of accidents. Georgia DOT does a lousy job designing highways in Georgia.

Every “improvement” makes it worse. Costs are through the roof. The Federal DOT needs to audit the designs and costs associated with the current State DOT plans and add big city highway design expertise to its responsibilities. Federal money should include Federal Approval.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Worst Rail Lines 9-29-25

There are no definitive, official rankings of the "worst" rail lines for 2025, but sources indicate problematic routes, such as the Auto Train (34% delay rate), Floridian (36%), and Southwest Chief (40%). Issues affecting specific systems include the high costs and challenges of the California High-Speed Rail project and concerns about the effectiveness of the Norfolk Tide Light Rail, a system facing criticism for its poor performance.  

Amtrak Routes Facing Challenges 

• Auto Train:Had the poorest performance with a 34% delay rate. 
• Floridian:Had a 36% delay rate. 
• Southwest Chief:Had a 40% delay rate. 

Light Rail & Regional Systems

• Norfolk Tide Light Rail:Has been labeled "The Worst Light Rail System in the U.S." due to its problems, notes David William Rosales. 

Projects and Systems with Significant Issues

• California High-Speed Rail:Faces persistent issues with property acquisition, moving utilities, and environmental reviews, leading to massive cost overruns and criticism as a "public infrastructure failure" by some, says The New York Times. 
• Pacific Surfliner: Faces significant delays due to a large portion of its route operating on single-track sections, requiring trains to take turns, which creates bottlenecks. 

Factors Contributing to Poor Performance

• Infrastructure: Many rail lines, especially those in California, struggle with single-track lines and the need for expensive upgrades to double-track systems. 
• Cost Overruns: The California High-Speed Rail project is an example of a project with massive cost overruns, exacerbated by the complexity of rights-of-way and utility work. 
• Operational Challenges: Factors like the timing of single-track operations on the Pacific Surfliner can significantly increase delays. 

For 2025, several US rail lines are considered among the worst due to persistent, significant delays caused by freight train interference. A primary factor is that Amtrak passenger trains must share tracks with freight railroads, many of which fail to provide required preference to passenger service. 

Amtrak long-distance routes with major delays

Federal Railroad Administration reports and Amtrak's 2024 Host Railroad Report Card indicate poor on-time performance (OTP) for multiple long-distance routes, a situation that has continued into 2025. All long-distance routes failed to meet the Federal Railroad Administration's 80% on-time standard in 2024.

The worst performers include: 

• The Floridian: Combining the former Capitol Limited and a portion of the Silver Star in November 2024, this Chicago-to-Miami route was a particularly poor performer in early 2025, with an OTP of just 36%.
• The Southwest Chief: The Los Angeles-to-Chicago route had one of the worst OTP rates, at just 33% in 2024 and still struggling in 2025.
• The Silver Meteor: Running between New York and Miami, this route had a 2024 OTP of only 42%.
• The Silver Star: Prior to being mostly absorbed into the Floridian, this New York-to-Miami route had an OTP as low as 25% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. 

The former Crescent Line (New York to New Orleans)

Before a Justice Department settlement with freight operator Norfolk Southern in September 2025, the Crescent line was notorious for delays. The lawsuit filed in 2024 accused Norfolk Southern of routinely hindering the passenger service, which resulted in an on-time performance of only 24% in 2023. As of September 2025, delays on this route have reportedly declined by 53%, signaling a significant improvement. 

Commuter rail: WES (Westside Express Service), Oregon

In the Portland metro area, the WES commuter line is considered poor due to its very limited service and low ridership. The single line does not go to downtown Portland but instead connects suburbs, running only on weekdays with low frequency. 

Freight rail lines with notoriously poor track conditions

While specific data for 2025 is limited, some freight lines have historically been plagued by poor track maintenance, contributing to inefficiency and delays for all traffic. For example, a segment of the former Wabash Railroad, between Woodburn, IN, and Liberty Center, OH, is often cited for its poor condition due to historically poor maintenance. 

Factors contributing to overall poor service

• Freight interference: This is the most significant factor for Amtrak delays. Freight railroads often hold up passenger trains to prioritize their own traffic, despite federal law requiring passenger trains to have preference.
• Aging infrastructure: Many tracks and bridges are over a century old, requiring frequent repairs and contributing to delays.
• Extremely long freight trains: Freight railroads are operating increasingly longer trains, which can stress equipment, lead to more handling challenges, and block highway-rail crossings for long periods.
• Limited enforcement: Historically, the federal law giving passenger trains priority has been difficult to enforce, though the Department of Justice's recent action against Norfolk Southern indicates a shift.

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+worst+rail+lines+2025

Worst Rail Line Accidents 2021-2025

Between 2021 and 2025, some of the worst rail accidents in the U.S. included deadly passenger train derailments and a high-profile freight train derailment that caused a major hazardous materials spill. 

Major incidents by year

2021: Montana Amtrak Derailment: On September 25, 2021, Amtrak's Empire Builder derailed near Joplin, Montana, killing 3 people and injuring at least 49 others. Eight of the train's cars, including several passenger cars, left the track. 

2022: Missouri Amtrak Derailment: On June 27, 2022, an Amtrak train collided with a dump truck at a railroad crossing near Mendon, Missouri, and derailed. The crash killed four people and injured approximately 150 others. 

2023: East Palestine, Ohio, Derailment: A freight train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. The incident did not cause immediate fatalities but led to a major environmental emergency when crews performed a controlled burn of vinyl chloride from several derailed cars. The decision caused concern about the health effects on local residents, with many later reporting symptoms of various illnesses. 

2024: Norfolk Southern Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Derailment: On March 2, 2024, three Norfolk Southern trains derailed near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The incident resulted in a diesel fuel spill into the Lehigh River. 

Broader context of rail accidents

• While high-profile derailments receive significant media coverage, most rail fatalities in the U.S. are not due to passenger or major freight train derailments.
• Most fatalities involve trespassers or collisions at highway-rail crossings.
• In 2024, there were 954 rail-related deaths in the U.S. The vast majority—663 deaths—were attributed to trespassers. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+worst+rail+line+accidents+2021+to+2025

Replacing railroad rails with maglev tracks would be a massive, cost-prohibitive project, not a simple swap. It would require building an entirely new and incompatible elevated guideway structure, with costs estimated at $40 million to over $100 million per mile. This is in addition to the cost of removing the old rail and acquiring the necessary right-of-way. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+much+would+replacing+railroad+rails+with+maglev+tracks+cost

Comments

US Rail Lines require continual Track repair and replacement. Our supply chains are dependent on these rail lines. The track repair is the responsibility of the Railroads who own the lines. These costs need to be included in the freight rates these railroads charge.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader