Last year, TXGN Railway in Harwood, Texas, was approved to receive a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program matching grant from the Federal Railroad Administration for infrastructure upgrades and improvements. This project will substantially expand the TXGN Harwood interchange with Union Pacific Railway, improve capacity, boost safety and promote significant growth for the overall region.
The grant of $2.23 million, matching TXGN’s investment, will allow TNW to construct a new double-ended siding adjacent to the main track, as well as installation of power-controlled switches. The new track configuration will dramatically improve the flow of cars through the Harwood interchange and the efficiency of rail operations. This will also result in improved unit train capabilities, and equipment utilization enabling TXGN to be more flexible to customer needs. This project also increases the railroad capacity and positions the greater Gonzales county for economic development and growth.
Bobby Franklin, TNW’s Vice President of Transportation, says, “With the start and completion of the new interchange at TXGN, this will bolster our efficiency of operations and stage TXGN to capitalize on future growth of our market share in the south Texas agriculture, energy, and storage markets. TXGN’s ability to receive unit trains and facilitate multiple interchanges with increased frequency is a game-changer for our customers and local agencies.”
Construction in Harwood is underway, and completion is projected for early April.
In addition, we are very grateful for leaders at all levels of government who supported our application for this funding:
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27)
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34)
Texas Department of Transportation
Gonzales County, TX
City of Gonzales, TX
Union Pacific Railroad
Dun Transportation & Stringing, Inc.
Tyson Foods
Vista Proppants and Logistics
Jim H. Wilson, LLC
Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC)