1. Home
 ›
2. Regionals
 ›
3. Portland & Western

Portland and Western Railroad

Published: January 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Portland and Western Railroad (PNWR) - a Genesee & Wyoming property - is an essential component of the freight transportation network in the Pacific Northwest.

The railroad, a Class II regional, spans 520 miles and is fully contained within Oregon. PNWR also incorporates the Willamette & Pacific Railroad (WPRR) as part of its operations.

Its network travels from Astoria to Portland along the scenic Columbia River, stretches through the heart of the Willamette Valley from Portland to Eugene, and includes various branches running through the Northern Oregon Coast Range.

The PNWR has played a critical role in supporting regional industries and connecting communities. This article provides a detailed exploration of the PNWR's history, operations, economic impact, and future prospects.

Portland & Western SD40-2 #3369, along with a pair of GP40s, pause to work the junction at Whiteson, Oregon on August 17, 2018. Doug Kroll photo.

Historical Background

The roots of the Portland & Western can be traced back to the early 1990s. Founded in 1993 as the Willamette & Pacific Railroad, PNWR has been a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming since 1995.

The railroad's formation through acquisition of former Southern Pacific branch lines.  Among these were the Toledo Branch stretching from Albany to Toledo and the Westside Branch reaching from Monroe to St. Joseph, close to McMinnville.

Other lines included the Bailey Branch extending west from Monroe to a sawmill, the Dallas Branch from Gerlinger to Dallas, the Willamina Branch from Whiteson near Amity to Willamina, and the southern Newberg branch from St. Joseph to Springbrook, just north of Newberg.

These lines primarily transport lumber, paper, and some agricultural products from various shippers. Notably, the Cascade Steel Rolling Mill in McMinnville represents a key shipper, with propane shipments managed by several suppliers.

The P&W aimed to preserve crucial rail services for local industries in this region while enhancing efficiency through more localized management. 

In 1995, the Portland & Western was formed to manage the remaining SP branch lines in Oregon. These included the former Tillamook Branch running from Willsburg Junction near Milwaukie to Hillsboro, the Westside–Seghers Branch from Hillsboro to Seghers near Gaston, and the remaining portion of the Newberg branch between Cook and Springbrook.

The Willamette & Pacific utilizes trackage rights on the Newberg branch and a section of the Tillamook Branch connecting Cook and Willsburg Junction, along with rights on a short segment of the SP's mainline to Brooklyn Yard, enabling interchange with Union Pacific. 

The P&W officially began service on August 18, 1995, initially covering 52 miles of leased SP trackage. Shortly afterwards, the Burlington Northern, transferred portions of its ex-Oregon Electric Railway branch lines north of Salem to the new short line, including the Forest Grove branch.

Today, operations on most former SP branches are maintained under a twenty-year lease, now overseen by Union Pacific. The former BN branches operate under a combination of leases and straightforward ownership agreements.

Operations and Infrastructure

The Portland & Western - operating 20 to 30 trains per day - serves a diverse range of customers and industries, including lumber, agriculture, metal, and automotive sectors. The rail line primarily operates in the Willamette Valley and extends its network through connections in surrounding regions.

Economic Impact

The Portland and Western is instrumental in the economic vitality of the region it serves.  Its primary traffic consists of:

- **Lumber and Forest Products**: Given Oregon's extensive forest resources, the transportation of lumber and other forest products is a significant aspect of railroad's operations. 

- **Agriculture**: Oregon is known for its diverse agricultural output, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. 

- **Manufacturing and Heavy Industries**: The transportation of raw materials and finished products for manufacturing industries is critical to maintaining the region’s industrial base. 

In addition to supporting these sectors, the PNWR is a significant employer in the region, providing jobs that range from railroad operations to logistical planning and maintenance.

Diesel Roster

Portland & Western GP39-2 #2309 at Linnton, Oregon on July 21, 2007. Doug Kroll photo.

Conclusion

The Portland and Western is more than just a transportation service; it is a lifeline for the communities and industries it serves in the Pacific Northwest.

Through its rich history, robust operations, and commitment to sustainable practices, PNWR has established itself as a pivotal figure in the region's economic landscape.