BNSF, chemical companies in Houston plan rival rail link for UP
NEW YORK (August 21, 2001) — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. and a group of chemicals and plastics producers plan to build a 13-mile railroad line southeast of Houston to penetrate a stronghold of Union Pacific Corp., the Wall Street Journal reported today.
The proposed track would connect Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s existing track in the Houston area with plants in the Bayport Industrial District southeast of the city. It would cost $80 million US to build and be ready in early 2004, the report said.
Union Pacific, the nation’s largest railroad, commands a majority of the petrochemical rail-freight market in Houston. Companies in the partnership, called San Jaquinta Rail Ltd., say Union Pacific needs a rival in order to lower prices. Several of those companies are captive to Union Pacific rail service.
The project must be approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board and other federal, state, county, and city agencies.
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