KCS finishes trackwork in Texas, starts MOW project in Louisiana

Last week, a Kansas City Southern production gang completed a 50-day effort in Texas to install 100,000 ties and 4.5 track miles of new rail to replace 112-pound rail in curves. Workers also renewed grade crossings and surfaced track from West Killam to Robstown, Texas, on the Laredo Subdivision.


This week, the production gang will move to the Vicksburg Subdivision between Shreveport and Monroe, La., to begin installing 66,000 ties and replacing about four miles of 112-pound rail in curves. The work is expected to be completed by May’s end.


The trackwork completed in the Laredo Subdivision has improved the fluidity of cross-border traffic between the United States and Mexico, KCS officials said in an item posted on the “KCS News” web page. Completion of maintenance work on the Meridian Speedway between Shreveport and Monroe will further improve safety and service on KCS’ International Intermodal Corridor, they said.

For more information on KCS’ planned trackwork in 2012 — as well as trackwork proposed by 82 other Class Is, regionals, short lines and passenger railroads — purchase Maintenance of Way Spending Report 2012. To buy the report or learn more about it, log onto https://www.progressiverailroading.com/MOW2012/.