The gist
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded up to $16.75 million to the Dallas, Garland, and Northeastern Railroad for a rail safety and efficiency project. The improvements are planned for a portion of the rail that runs between McKinney and Sherman, according to an Oct. 29 news release.
The project plans to replace and rehabilitate the rail, ballast and surfacing as well as install rail lubricators, according to the news release. The project is expected to enhance safety and improve system performance and service.
In addition to the federal funds, the Dallas, Garland, Northeastern Railroad will contribute 30% to the project in local match funds.
What they’re saying
Ross Lane, assistant vice president of government affairs for Genesee and Wyoming, said the DGNO provides critical first and last mile connectivity to the national freight rail network.
“Collectively, we believe that enhancing DGNO infrastructure will result in robust benefits to the public,” he said in an email. “These public benefits include expanded workforce development and job creation opportunities, increased economic competitiveness for the area served by the DGNO, and a reduction in wait times at railroad crossings for the traveling public.”
The project is projected to cost nearly $23.94 million total and is expected to begin construction in early 2026, Lane said. Construction is expected to finish in late 2026. The project still needs to undergo the permitting process, grant agreement finalization and materials procurement before construction.
“Once the project is completed, the railroad will be able to provide even more reliable, efficient, and safe rail service to our current customers and be better positioned to market the railroad to future customers,” Lane said.
Zooming out
The railroad administration awarded the grant as part of its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. The program aims to fund projects that will enhance rail safety and reliability, according to the news release.
“Today’s CRISI grants will enhance rail safety, better connect towns, cities, and ports, introduce more environmentally friendly locomotives, support the current rail workforce, and provide workforce development opportunities essential to the future of our industry and the national economy,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said in a statement.
More than $43 million were awarded to five projects in total across Texas. Other Texas projects include:
- Rehabilitation of the Texas and Eastern Railroad track
- Rehabilitation of Harlingen and Hidalgo yards
- Replacement of timber bridges on the Texas, Gonzalez, and Northern Railroad
- Rehabilitation of the Texas Rock Crusher Railroad
About the owners
The DGNO railroad was acquired by Genesee and Wyoming in 2012, according to its website. Genessee and Wyoming owns or leases more than 100 railroads throughout North America and hires 4,000 employees.
The DGNO railroad runs 68 miles and offers connections with the BNSF railroad, CPKC railroad and Union Pacific railroad, according to its website.
