This collection is a sub-subgroup under the Montana Department of Transportations records, RS 492. The Rail Planning Unit operated under the DOT Rail, Transit, and Planning Division. The Unit is now defunct. To see the other Department of Transportation records, visit the primary finding aid, RS 492.

Collection consists of reports and files for the Montana State Rail Plan (1977-1982), including rail line surveys, and various needs and community impact assessments, as well as public hearings regarding the State Plan. Also included are case files (numbered ICC dockets) on various rail line abandonments, specific Milwaukee Road abandonment files, Burlington Northern line abandonment files, and related materials (primarily 1980s). Correspondence includes correspondence with the Highways Director’s Office regarding the State Plan and abandonment issues, as well as correspondence with various state agencies. Some files, particularly the Rail Surveys, include photo images, maps and diagrams.