Rail Division Current Projects
- Metroplex Freight Mobility Study
- Houston-Beaumont Freight Rail Study
- South Orient Rail Line
- Rittiman-Walzem Rail Crossing Concepts
- Statewide Study of Grade Separation Candidates
Metroplex Freight Mobility Study
The TxDOT Rail Division conducted a comprehensive analysis of the freight transportation network to identify mutually beneficial mobility improvements. In addition to rail operations modeling and conceptual designs to improve freight rail efficiency, the study refined infrastructure solutions needed to support expanded passenger service on the Trinity Railway Express, planned rail improvements to allow new passenger service on the Madill Subdivision, and developed plans and cost estimates for solutions at priority highway-railroad grade crossings.
The summary report highlights findings and recommended next steps.
Concepts for rail-highway improvements are grouped by county:
- Collin
- Dallas
- Denton
- Ellis
- Erath, Hood, and Somervell
- Hunt, Kaufman, and Rockwall
- Johnson
- Navarro
- Palo Pinto and Parker
- Tarrant
- Wise
Houston-Beaumont Freight Rail Study
The TxDOT Rail Division is modeling potential freight rail improvements in the Houston and Beaumont regions. The study will include concept development for expansion, operations, rail-highway improvements, and execution strategies to improve the efficiency of through-freight rail operations and road user mobility.
Outcome: A program of projects to address freight rail mobility needs and congestion near public highway-railroad crossings.
Schedule: The project team is finalizing revisions requested through the stakeholder input process. A final report is expected in the fall of 2021.
The South Orient Rail Line is a state-owned facility that runs from Presidio, on the Mexican border, to San Angelo Junction. It was constructed to interchange with Ferromex at Presidio, but the Presidio-Ojinaga International Rail Bridge is not currently operational.
The line interchanges with Union Pacific Railroad at Alpine and with BNSF Railway and the Fort Worth and Western Railroad at San Angelo Junction. Texas Pacifico Transportation Ltd. (TXPF) operates over the South Orient Rail Line under a lease and operating agreement with TxDOT.
| Rail Line Information | Format |
|---|---|
| Utility Rail Crossing Requests |  |
| State Rehabilitation Projects |
|
| Benefit Cost Analysis |  |
| Lease and Operating Agreement | |
| Operations Analysis | |
| Map | |
| Needs Assessment Report | |
| Video - Reviving the South Orient Railroad |  |
| Annual Inspection Reports | Format |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | |
Rittiman-Walzem Rail Crossing Concepts
The at-grade rail-highway crossings at Rittiman Rd. and Walzem Rd. in San Antonio are heavily traversed by passenger and freight vehicles, and train traffic is expected to increase. Community stakeholders and the Texas Freight Mobility Plan call for additional study to determine feasibility of grade separating these locations. Although no funding is currently available, the TxDOT Rail Division will advance initial concepts developed in the broader study of this Union Pacific corridor.
The study began in July 2020 and is expected to conclude in the summer of 2021. TxDOT is working with the railroad and local governments to assess traffic movements and build consensus for concepts to take to the broader community. The final report will contain environmental and community impact assessments, financial feasibility analysis, engineering, and action plans that can be used to apply for federal discretionary grants.
Statewide Study of Grade Separation Candidates
This August 2021 study identified rail and roadway system alternatives to improve vehicular/rail interaction and freight rail performance at selected at-grade crossings throughout the state. The report includes the screening of all active, public highway-railroad at-grade crossings throughout the State to identify candidate grade separation projects that could potentially improve mobility and reduce vehicular delays. The planning team developed conceptual plans, cost estimates, and initial benefit-cost analysis to support project development and potential federal grant funding applications.
The summary report highlights findings and recommended next steps.
Three appendices are also available:
Contact Us
Rail Planning Section Manager
125 E. 11th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 486-5815