The Oregon Independence Railroad, LLC

The Oregon Independence Railroad (OIRR), recognized by the STB as a Class III short line railroad on October 21, 2020, purchased about a half mile of the Valley and Siletz Railroad on June 22, 2021. The original Valley and Siletz Railroad was Built in 1916 as a 40 mile logging railroad track that connected a lumber mill in the Boise Cascade town of Valsetz to a branch in Independence, Oregon. The various rail owners abandoned the track in segments over time until May of 1992, when the track stopped operating completely. The remaining half mile of track has remained dormant until now and plans for a full railyard in Independence have been developed. The OIRR is excited to restore the railyard and track and bring more rail transportation to Oregon communities.

Our Federal Register Notice can be found below:

Federal-Register-Notice-10.7.2020Download

Where our is train headed…

The Oregon Independence Railroad seeks to create railroad connections throughout the Pacific Northwest, because we care for Oregon. Rail transportation assists in cleaning and preserving the environment, improving local economies, and reducing traffic congestion on highways. The OIRR aims to help improve Oregon’s multimodal system to help meet the transportation needs of the future. Right now, the OIRR is on track rehabilitating the railroad, determining the best use for the land, and securing funding for project development.

Next stop: Independence Station

  • Oregon Independence RR Design
    Oregon Independence Railroad track location
The OIRR will be located in Independence with connections throughout the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s largest agriculture hub. In terms of value and volume, agriculture and food products are the second largest exported product in Oregon. Our line will have the ability to connect with the Portland & Western Railroad to transport agricultural products throughout the Northwest. As a result, we expect farmers will be able to move product more quickly and efficiently.