Central Texas & Colorado River short line begins operations

The Central Texas & Colorado River Railway LLC began operating yesterday under the ownership of OmniTRAX Inc.

OmniTRAX acquired the former Heart of Texas Railroad from local investors earlier this year. Central Texas is OmniTRAX's 20th short line.

Central Texas runs 68 miles west from Lometa,Texas, where it interchanges with BNSF Railway Co., to Brady, Texas.

At the time of the acquisition in May, OmniTRAX officials said potential new customers of the short line include an aggregate quarry, a cement factory and frac sand producers.

"The Central Texas & Colorado River Railway is a great opportunity for OmniTRAX with at least three good long-term mineral prospects on the line," OmniTRAX Chief Executive Officer Kevin Shuba said at the time.