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Alabama short line moves closer to starting major infrastructure work

8/27/2024
Much of the railroad's track in Huntsville has been in place for more than a century. In addition, its wood bridge is very old and in poor condition. Wesley Rupert

By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor 

A federal grant is approved. Other funding is lined up. And all the parties involved are poised to move ahead. 

But there are a few more things that need to be wrapped up before the Huntsville & Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCRA) can begin a major capacity improvement and service restoration project in north Alabama. Namely, fulfilling the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements of a federal Consolidated Railroad Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program grant and completing final design work. 

A self-funded and nonprofit railroad, the HMCRA was created by the state in 1984 to operate track abandoned by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The 13-mile short line interchanges with CSX in Tanner and with Norfolk Southern Railway in Huntsville. 

In 2023, the HMCRA learned it would receive a nearly $3.5 million CRISI grant for the $6.3 million project. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and city of Huntsville each are providing $1 million, while the HMCRA is contributing about $850,000 for the infrastructure upgrades, which will be completed between Huntsville and Hobbs Island, Alabama. 

The work calls for replacing the Aldridge Creek railroad bridge; installing 10,000 ties; resurfacing 12 miles of track; building three 3,000-foot-plus sidings; and extending a transload yard track by 100 feet.  

HMCRA The nonprofit railroad was created by the state in 1984 to operate track abandoned by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The 13-mile short line interchanges with CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. Wesley Rupert

Most of the short line’s track in Huntsville has been in place for more than 100 years. It currently is rated as “excepted track” by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — the lowest-possible rating that still allows a railroad to operate over the track. 

The existing wood bridge also is very old and in poor condition. It will be replaced with a concrete structure to enhance safety and increase load rating. 

The infrastructure upgrades will enable the HMCRA to accommodate 286,000-pound rail cars, increase efficiency, boost capacity for future traffic growth and mitigate deterioration of the track structure, said HMCRA General Manager John Peek in an email. Due to a lack of capacity, the short line turns away business from both existing and potential new customers on a near-daily basis. 

The improved infrastructure also will enable the short line to restore service to a Saint-Gobain industrial ceramics plant in Huntsville.  

Due to the bridge’s cargo tonnage limits associated with its age and condition, the shipper has had to rely on trucks to receive and distribute materials. Saint-Gobain — which operates in 76 countries and has more than 160,000 employees — designs, manufactures and distributes materials for the construction and industrial markets. 

Overall, the upgrades will help the HMCRA bolster service and attract additional business, state and authority officials say.  The short line currently serves 10 customers.

The Huntsville metropolitan area is growing in terms of population and industrial development, and the railroad already serves several plants operated by such multibillion international companies as Daikin America Inc., INEOS Styrolution and Indorama Ventures AlphaPet Inc. More international conglomerates are expected to set up shop there as the area continues to attract industries. 

“The [HMCRA] has been an important short line railroad that for years has dutifully served multiple industries,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey when the state recently announced a grant for the project. “This funding for the upgrades will help the rail system continue providing vital service for area industries for years to come.” 

HMCRA Part of the $6.3 million project calls for resurfacing 12 miles of track and building three sidings exceeding 3,000 feet in length. Wesley Rupert

The NEPA process is nearly complete, so the project will soon advance to the final design and construction stage of the CRISI grant process that’s governed by the FRA, said Peek. 

“Once the final design and construction [plan] is approved by the FRA, we’ll start taking bids from contractors on the scope of work,” he said. “The total project is estimated for completion in 2026.” 


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