Texas Rail Plan update
Background
The rail system is a vital component of our thriving economy, safely connecting industries, ports, and people without congesting highways. TxDOT can maximize the value of rail through collaboration with private and local stakeholders, and identification and facilitation of important projects.
The Texas Rail Plan is a federally specified document detailing the state of the rail system in Texas and opportunities for improvement. Per federal requirements, states must have a rail plan that is updated every four years to establish policy, priorities and implementation strategies for freight and passenger rail.
2024 Texas Rail Plan update
The update to the 2019 Texas Rail Plan is currently underway. The Plan will reflect the latest rail project priorities and fulfill eligibility requirements for federal funding of rail projects. Activities include planning and stakeholder engagement to facilitate the development of policies, programs, and agency-specific strategies to improve the efficiency of freight movement and maintain on-time passenger service.
Public input
TxDOT held a virtual public meeting August 19, 2024. The purpose of the public meeting was to introduce the 2024 Texas Rail Plan, to learn about the statewide rail system and participate in the passenger and freight rail planning process, and to learn about how the plan supports the passenger and freight rail system throughout the state. The meeting allowed the public to identify key issues, goals, and priorities to ensure improved passenger and freight service in the future.
Materials from the public meeting are posted below under resources.
Project schedule
- Spring 2024: Project kick-off
- Summer 2024: Host Passenger/freight stakeholder workshops
- Aug. 19, 2024: Virtual public meeting and comment review period
- Fall 2024: Passenger/freight stakeholder workshops and draft Texas Rail Plan
- Fall/winter 2024: TxDOT review and Texas Rail Plan document finalized
Resources
| Resource | Description |
| 2024 Rail Plan Update - Virtual Public Meeting Materials | |
| 2019 Texas Rail Plan | The 2019 Texas Rail Plan, Executive Summary, and Appendices are available. |
| Short Line Railroad Directory | The 2023 Short Line Railroad Directory includes points of contact, ownership, mapping, existing and potential industrial development, equipment, and staffing. |