New Subdivision - Rail Capacity Enhancements

Rail Capacity Enhancements Improvement Classification Level Estimated Cost Estimated Public Benefit* Ratio:
Benefit/Cost
Single Main: Dayton to Cleveland 5 $212,000,000 NA NA
Total Identified Improvements $212,000,000    

* No public benefits of individual rail improvements were identified.

Add Single Mainline from Dayton to Cleveland

Incorporating a CTC signal system with set-out tracks and passing sidings along the line from Dayton to Cleveland would permit bidirectional traffic flow.

Currently, the BNSF intermodal, auto and carload operations take place at either Pearland on the BNSF Mykawa Subdivision or New South Yard on the West Belt Subdivision. Trains inbound from Temple or Teague must take the long way around to get to either facility, while trains being prepared for departure often occupy the main track preventing the passage of additional trains.

The Cleveland to Dayton connection carries with it the relocation of current BNSF carload switching operations to a site not yet determined. Utilizing their existing network, a large number of BNSF trains will not need to enter into the heart of Houston area rail network, although the existing interchange with the PTRA will remain, as will trains serving their customer base such the Houston Light and Power facility at Thompson, Texas.

Analysis

This relocation would free up capacity on existing rail lines and enhance movement capabilities on other existing rail corridors within the region. Combined with the UPRR Glidden Subdivision, this relocation could make it feasible for the directional running of train traffic between Rosenberg and Houston, perhaps eliminating the need for either a double track rail facility along the US 90A corridor, or a new bypass alternative route through Ft. Bend County.

Cost

The estimated cost for the addition of a new rail corridor from Dayton to Cleveland is $197,000,000, and is classified as a level 5 long-range improvement.

This improvement should undergo further testing to determine the extent of the improvement's impact on the region's rail network, and to quantify the associated public and private benefits that may be attained.

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Identified Improvements