Miles of Railroad Built for United States
A02F2AUSA374NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
116.00
Year-over-Year Change
346.15%
Date Range
1/1/1830 - 1/1/1952
Summary
The 'Miles of Railroad Built for United States' trend measures the total length of new railroad track constructed annually in the United States. This statistic is an important indicator of infrastructure investment and economic development.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This series tracks the miles of new railroad track built each year, reflecting the expansion and modernization of the U.S. rail network. The data is used by economists, policymakers, and transportation analysts to understand historical patterns of infrastructure growth and investment.
Methodology
The data is collected by the Association of American Railroads and reported to the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Historical Context
Changes in the miles of railroad built can signal shifts in economic activity, transportation needs, and infrastructure priorities.
Key Facts
- The peak year for new railroad construction was 1917 with over 6,300 miles built.
- Railroad mileage declined significantly after 1920 as the industry consolidated.
- Recent years have seen modest increases in new rail construction.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Miles of Railroad Built for United States' trend tracks the total length of new railroad track constructed annually in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This statistic is an important indicator of infrastructure investment and economic development, providing insights into patterns of transportation network expansion and modernization.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the Association of American Railroads and reported to the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Changes in the miles of railroad built can signal shifts in economic activity, transportation needs, and infrastructure priorities, informing policymakers and analysts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published regularly by the Federal Reserve with minimal delays, providing a timely indicator of railroad construction trends.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Miles of Railroad Built for United States (A02F2AUSA374NNBR), retrieved from FRED.