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The Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) was formed in 1924 as an association of all railroads coming in to Houston. The PTRA
provides switching service along both sides of the Houston Ship Channel.
Length
The PTRA maintains 153.9 miles of track including 46.4 miles of mainline, 22.8 on the south side, and 23.6 on the north side, all of which are included in the study area.
Characteristics
The PTRA service area includes the world’s largest chemical complex and the South’s largest export grain elevators.
The PTRA splits into two separate subdivisions at the south end of North Yard. PTRA North Shore Subdivision runs east from North Yard following Clinton Drive, and PTRA Manchester Subdivision runs south parallel to the UPRR Strang mainline. The PTRA Manchester Subdivision mainline parallels the Strang Subdivision mainline from North Yard south to Bridge 5A, a single track bridge. PTRA maintains trackage rights from the UPRR across the bridge and continues to the east as a single mainline with sidings and multiple industrial tracks to terminate just past Barbour’s Cut.
PTRA North Yard is the hub of the PTRA and is located in the area of the Houston Ship Channel Turning Basin adjacent to the intersection of Wayside Drive and Clinton Drive. The PTRA also includes two full service yards located on the south side of the Ship Channel: Pasadena Yard, and Manchester Yard.
Identified Improvements
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Class |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Public Benefit |
|
Class 1 Improvements (Near-term Improvements) |
$75,500,000 |
|
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Class 3 Improvements (Separations/Closures) |
$7,000,000 |
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Class 4 Improvements (Rail Capacity Additions) |
$8,600,000 |
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Total Identified Improvements |
$91,100,000 |
$2,300,000 |
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