Rail Relocation Projects in the U.S.: Case Studies and Lessons for Texas Rail Planning

Freight transportation is a major component of the transportation activity in metropolitan areas of Texas where both highway and rail routes converge. Traffic conflicts in urban areas are especially acute in areas surrounding urban rail facilities. Rail operations are also greatly hindered in urban rail facilities, which are often surrounded by incompatible land-use activities. One approach to addressing urban vehicle-rail conflicts and urban rail operations issues is to consider the relocation of train operations to new rail corridors located outside urban boundaries. This project examines rail relocation projects in the United States to determine best practices, document project costs and expected benefits, and develop recommended policies for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) use in assessing potential urban rail relocation projects throughout the state. Case studies deliver information on a broad variety of issues to be considered in railroad relocation projects including example project costs, impacts upon urban and outlying communities, potential funding mechanisms, and how potential rail relocation projects may be integrated with planning for other transportation improvements.