AMERICAN RAILWAYS

Southland Times, Issue 18965, 13 June 1923, Page 10

AMERICAN RAILWAYS

OUTLAY FOR EQUIPMENT THIS

Returns from one-third of the mileage in the United States indicate that the railways will spend more than 700,000,000 dollars ior improvements and additions during 1923, according to the Railway Age in its annual report on railroad conditions, states the Christian Science Monitor. Twentyseven railways operating an aggregate of 95,000 miles, or approximately one-tnird of the total mileage ot the country, will spend something more than 350,000,000 dollars for improvements to roadway and structures, and for new equipment. “It may be assumed/’ the report adds, “that an equal amount will be spent by the remaining two-thirds of the railways. The significance of this is in the fact that in only one year, 1917, during the last ten, have the records of the Inter-State Commerce Commission shown an increase in investment in road and equipment of this amount. “This money will go for new lines, for second tracks, new yards and terminals, freight and passenger stations, shops and shop equipment, signalling, cars and locomotives, and other facilities that make up railroad equipment. Large as this amount seems, it includes only those expenditures which have been definitely approved. Many other projects will be undertaken during the year, and their total will add much to the amount.”

Locomotives ordered during 1922 for service in the United States totals 2600, according to the Railway Age’s statistics, if: s is more than ten times the figure reported in 1921. Freight cais ordered during 1922 wore 180,154, the largest total in any year since 1912.