Freeport Subdivision - Rail Capacity Enhancements

Rail Capacity Enhancements Improvement Classification Level Estimated Cost Estimated Public Benefit* Ratio:
Benefit/Cost
Upgrade existing swing-span bridge 4 $15,000,000 NA NA
Add dedicated sidings for DOW Chemical 4 $9,000,000 NA NA
Add passing siding (10,000' length) 4 $8,600,000 NA NA
Total Identified Improvements $32,600,000    

*No public benefits of individual rail improvements were identified.

Construction – 10,000-foot Passing Siding

Constructing an approximate 10,000-foot siding between Angleton and the UPRR Hoskins Yard will create the ability for trains to meet and pass on the Freeport Subdivision, freeing up sidings or yard tracks in Angleton.

This improvement is estimated to cost $8,600,000 and is classified as a level 4 improvement. It 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.

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Construction – Dedicated Sidings for DOW Chemical

Additionally, constructing dedicated siding tracks at the Dow Chemical Plant operations will allow Dow to perform their daily work duties without having railcars occupying the main track, which is currently the practice, allowing for the mainline to be kept open for movements to and from the Port of Freeport.

This improvement is estimated to cost $9,000,000 and is classified as a level 4 long-range improvement. It 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.

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Upgrade Existing Swing-Span Bridge

To better service the Port of Freeport, and to ensure the operational reliability of the swing-span bridge crossing the navigable waterway (Brazos River), upgrading the structural and mechanical components of the bridge is essential.

This improvement is estimated to cost $15,000,000 and is classified as a level 4 long-range improvement. It 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.

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Identified Improvements