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Approximately 21 miles long, all of which is within the study area,the Popp Subdivision was constructed in the 1870’s by the
Houston Tap & Brazoria Railway Company.
Paralleling Hwy 521 (Almeda Road) in southwest Houston, the track, which has terminus points at Pierce Junction, (just south and west of LP 610 and 288 respectively), and Arcola, is owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Rail Traffic
The Popp Subdivision averages 2 trains daily. Coal trains serving Houston Light and Power’s (Reliant Energy) Smithers Lake Power Plant makes up the bulk of rail traffic. The BNSF also accesses the Smithers Lake facility, located near Thompson, Texas via an additional line from Arcola as well. Predominantly a single-track railroad operated bidirectionally, there is an approximate 1 ½-mile siding at Fresno, midway between Pierce Junction and Arcola, which permits most trains to pass each other.
The following table displays identified potential improvements to the Popp Subdivision:
Identified Improvements
|
Class |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Public Benefit |
|
Class 4 Improvements (Rail Capacity Additions) |
$88,000,000 |
|
|
Total Identified Improvements |
$88,000,000 |
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