Building the Future: 2024 Infrastructure Investments

America has the most robust freight transportation network in the world, and it takes a lot to keep it running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Every day, Watco team members work to maintain the infrastructure that supports our economy.

Watco invests millions of dollars to keep operations moving safely for our customers and communities each year. Last year, we partnered with government agencies, customers, and others to maintain infrastructure and grow freight opportunities across our network. These are some of the major projects Watco completed in 2024:

Agawa Canyon Railroad (ACR) – The ACR deployed 10 solar-powered flood monitors along 200 miles of track. This technology monitors water levels on remote sections of the line and sends alerts during flood events. The project increases the safety of the team, tour train passengers, and freight.

Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KO) – The KO completed the final phase of upgrades to its South Yard in Wichita. New switches, turnouts, ties, and rail were installed throughout the yard to streamline traffic flow where the railroad interchanges with two Class Is and the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad.

South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL) – The team completed various smaller improvements across the line, but the largest was the complete rebuild of the Union Pacific interchange and construction of an 8,000-foot siding in Oswego, Kansas. The new infrastructure will support traffic from Bartlett Grain’s new soybean crush facility.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) – The WSOR opened a new 15,000-square-foot locomotive shop with a drop pit and 25-ton crane in Janesville, Wisconsin. The new facility expands the railroad’s repair and inspection capabilities beyond the original roundhouse.

In addition, Bridge 334 on the WSOR’s Reedsburg Subdivision saw two of its major spans replaced, ten piers rehabilitated above and below the water level, more than 500 feet of its tie deck replaced, 1,200 feet of heavier rail installed, and more. This Lake Wisconsin crossing is a vital connection for shippers in the state.

Ringneck & Western Railroad (RWRR) – Team members and contractors spent a month repairing bridges, track, and crossings after monumental flooding. They dumped nearly 25,000 tons of ballast and drove steel sheeting to reinforce creek banks against future floods.

Composite Tie Installation – The Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System, Louisiana Southern Railroad, and Mississippi Southern Railroad installed 1,000 composite ties at strategic locations along their railroads as part of a pilot to increase track durability and sustainability.

Stillwater Central Railroad (SLWC) – The SLWC demolished and rebuilt a 312-foot, 23-span timber bridge near Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Both approaches were filled and built up, making the new concrete structure only six spans and 162 feet. The new structure will be more resilient to flood and fire damage and is better suited for the demands of modern railroad traffic.

Verdigris Southern Railroad (VESO) – The VESO joined Watco in 2024 to provide service within the Port of Inola in Oklahoma. More than 4 miles of new track were built to connect the port’s customers to Union Pacific.

Alabama Southern Railroad (ABS) – The ABS updated their hot-box detectors. This technology ensures the team is aware of any issues with railcar bearings as it moves freight through populated areas.

Glendale Terminal (AZ) – The terminal completed the construction of a new 900-foot rail spur. The additional railcar spots allow the team to better meet customers’ volume demands and transload freight more efficiently.

Watco Greens Port (TX) – The terminal added a Liebherr LMH550 Mobile Harbor Crane to its docks. The new crane unloads cargo from vessels 20% faster and its reach means the team doesn’t have to move docked vessels during discharge.

Port Birmingham (AL) – The team and local partners collaborated to build a 25,000-square-foot warehouse at the marine terminal. It’s also served by Watco’s Birmingham Terminal Railway. The structure is ideally positioned to serve the region’s steel customers.

There are many more projects that are still underway or getting ready to kick off in 2025. More bridge replacements, new rail, safety features, technology improvements, and growth projects are on tap. Investing in our infrastructure is an investment in our team, customers, and communities, and shows that we’re committed to safely improving every day.