|
Rail Capacity Enhancements |
Improvement Classification Level |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Public
Benefit* |
Ratio:
Benefit/Cost |
|
Second Main: Alvin to Tower 81 (T&NO Jct) |
4 |
$100,000,000 |
NA |
NA |
|
Replace Automotive Operations — Pearland Yard |
5 |
$20,000,000 |
NA |
NA |
|
Replace Intermodal Operations — Pearland Yard |
5 |
$75,000,000 |
NA |
NA |
|
Replace Carload Switching Facility — New South Yard |
5 |
$100,000,000 |
NA |
NA |
|
Total Identified Improvements |
$295,000,000 |
NA |
|
*No public benefits of individual rail improvements were identified.
Addition of Second Mainline Track from Alvin to Tower 81
The Mykawa Subdivision is the primary route used by BNSF Galveston
Subdivision trains to gain access to their carload operations at New South Yard
and the intermodal and auto operations located on the Mykawa Subdivision. The
UPRR, on the other hand, relies heavily on the continued movement of trains over
the Mykawa Subdivision to support their Gulf Coast Chemical operations.
Analysis
The addition of a second mainline between Alvin and Tower 81 will reduce the
conflict between UPRR and BNSF trains in the vicinity of BNSF’s Pearland
operations. In the event that BNSF operations at Pearland and New South Yard are
relocated to alternative locations within the Houston rail network, upgrading
the Mykawa Subdivision solely to support BNSF Galveston Subdivision or Gulf
Coast Chemical operations may not warrant consideration.
Cost
The addition of a second mainline from Alvin to Tower 81 is estimated to cost
$100,000,000. The second mainline is a level 4 long-range improvement, and
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.
Back to top
Relocate Carload Switching Operations at BNSF Pearland
Yard
BNSF Pearland Intermodal Facility and Mykawa Yard are located south of Tower
81 on the BNSF Mykawa Subdivision near the Houston Hobby Airport. The Pearland
Intermodal Facility occupies over 80 acres of land, and handles receiving and
distribution of automobiles. Mykawa Yard primarily handles the classification
and storage of freight cars.
Analysis
The BNSF Gulf Division, which includes the Mykawa Subdivision, is nearing
capacity in terms of meeting merchandise operations demand. Relocating the
facilities at Pearland and Mykawa to a location which could accommodate a larger
facility would consolidate these operations.
The ancillary benefits to the relocation of carload switching operations at
existing BNSF facilities to a location outside of the Houston metroplex may
include:
- Using the BNSF Galveston Subdivision and the UPRR Glidden Subdivision
for directional traffic in to and out of Houston, which may negate the
perceived need to double track the Glidden Subdivision
- Reducing the volume of BNSF trains within the immediate region, which
improves safety and air quality
- Allow for additional uses on the existing rail line, such as commuter
rail
A relocation site has not yet been identified; however, an RTC modeling
exercise is investigating locations south, north, and northeast of Houston.
Cost
The
relocation of the carload switching operations at Pearland is estimated to cost
$95,000,000, and classified as a level 5 long-range improvement.
This
alternative should undergo further testing to determine the extent of the
improvement’s impact on the region’s rail network, and quantify the associated
public and private benefits that may be attained.
Back to top
Relocate BNSF New South Yard Carload Switching Facility
BNSF New South Yard is located north of Tower 81 near the connection between the
East Belt Subdivision and the West Belt Subdivision at Double Track Junction.
The south end of the yard is located immediately north of the Griggs/Long/Mykawa
intersection, which is frequently occupied by vehicular traffic traveling in all
directions and crossing both the UPRR Glidden Subdivision and the BNSF Mykawa
Subdivision. New South Yard is a major classification yard with a carload
switching facility.
Analysis
The benefits of relocating the carload switching facility at New South Yard
to a location outside the Houston metroplex are the same as those discussed in
reference to relocating the Pearland and Mykawa facilities.
A relocation site has not yet been identified; however, an RTC modeling
exercise is investigating locations south, north, and northeast of Houston.
Cost The
relocation of carload switching operations at New South Yard is estimated to
cost $100,000,000, and classified as a level 5 long-range improvement. This
alternative should undergo further testing to determine the extent of the
improvement’s impact on the region’s rail network and quantify the associated
public and private benefits that may be attained. Back to top Identified Improvements
|
