The Newest Mainline in America!

Last summer, the KCS  Rosenberg Sub opened for business.  Its 84.5 miles of 136 lb. rail resting on concrete ties supported by a deep bed of ballast is a state-of-the-art railroad, and a key link in the NAFTA Railroad. It is the newest mainline railroad in North America!

The KCS acquired the right-of-way between Victoria and Rosenberg, Texas that once hosted the Victoria Sub of the Southern Pacific. The SP line was abandoned in the late 1980’s in favor of running via the Cuero Sub to Victoria.

When the KCS received trackage rights over the UP to connect the KCS proper at Beaumont with the Tex Mex in Robstown, KCS trains were required to travel west to Flatonia, then south to Victoria, slightly out of the way.

This new line allows KCS trains to cut 67 miles from the UP route it previously took . The KCS expects to save about $1.2 million/month due to reduced trackage right payments to the UP.  Additionally, transit times will be reduced by 4-6 hours.

The Southern Belle crosses the San Bernard River, near Kendleton, TX on July 16, 2009

KCS operated its Southern Belle business train to help inaugurate the new line. It made two round-trips July 16 and 17, 2009 between Kendleton and Victoria entertaining shippers and  local officials.

Surprisingly, the pre-cast concrete girders used for the bridges on the line developed stress cracks. KCS had to replace all of the girders used on the line. The work took place late last year.