Glidden Subdivision

The Glidden Subdivision, constructed in the mid-1800's by the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad, is currently owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Glidden Subdivision
Study Area Map
Segment 1 | Segment 2 | Segment 3 | Segment 4

Geographic Limits

Beginning at Harrisburg Junction in Houston, which is just north of 225 and west of LP 610, this line segment terminates at the east end of Kirby Yard which is east of San Antonio near Randolph Air Force Base.

Length

The Glidden Subdivision is over 210 miles in length; however, approximately 50 miles are contained within the study area.

Rail Traffic

Rail traffic on the Glidden Subdivision is bidirectional with an average daily train count of approximately 30 - 40 trains. The BNSF has authority to operate its trains on the Glidden Subdivision from Rosenberg to Houston, while the KCS has authority to operate its trains from Flatonia to Houston.

Amtrak's Sunset Limited, connecting Los Angeles to Orlando, operates along this route with three eastbound and three westbound trains weekly. The Glidden Subdivision is the main east-west route for the Union Pacific Railroad, connecting the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to Houston, and Houston to New Orleans.

Characteristics

Approaching Houston from Rosenberg, the Glidden Subdivision parallels US Highway 90A. Due to the large volume of train traffic combined with the increasing volume of vehicular traffic, vehicular delays are typically experienced in Rosenberg, Richmond, Sugar Land, Stafford, and Missouri City. The proximity of US90A and the presence of numerous at-grade crossings increase the potential for hazard associated with the rail, vehicular, and pedestrian interface along this corridor.

Identified Improvements
Class Estimated Cost Estimated Public Benefit
Class 3 Improvements (Grade Separations) $274,000,000 $79,913,000
Class 3 Improvements (Crossing Closures) $500,000 $1,480,000
Total Identified Improvements $274,500,000 $81,393,000