BNSF opens Permian Basin-based logistics center in Texas

BNSF Railway Co. yesterday marked the opening of a $45 million logistics center in Sweetwater, Texas, that will help the Class I accommodate traffic growth in the Permian Basin.

The facility will provide rail, truck and transload services, and serve several industries, including agricultural products, sand, pipe and aggregates. Called the BNSF Logistics Center at Sweetwater, the 75-acre facility is located in the city's northwest side. Project design began in 2012 and construction was completed in September.

The terminal's rail capabilities and features include a 100-car unit train sand terminal, 110-car unit train ag terminal for wheat and cotton seed, 90-car unit train aggregate terminal, 30-car dimensional transload site and expandable switch yard. The project also included a 5,000-foot track expansion by adjacent industry Sweetwater Switching Co. L.L.C. for transloading.

BNSF spent $28 million to replace existing track and add 40,000 feet of new track at the site. Logistics center tenants contributed $17 million for the project.

"The completion of this project is another example of BNSF’s commitment to industry in the Permian Basin," said Dave Garin, BNSF's group vice president of industrial products, in a press release. "The BNSF Logistics Center at Sweetwater will serve as a hub for economic activity in the region as the Cline Shale is explored for many years to come."