December 9, 2025 - TRA Newswire -

Rail traffic continues to grow in the greater Houston market, with more companies looking to relocate and expand to the region. Part of the allure is access to the rail and maritime facilities, availability of land, and a business friendly climate.   

The San Jacinto River and Rail Park / W&P Development ,Inc. (SJRR) has joined with Rail Industrial Partners (RIP) and are exploring the expansion of rail service at the Houston rail park, according to a statement issued jointly by the companies.

San Jacinto River and Rail has the ability to offer dual-served rail access and on-site barge terminal service within its 870 acres that are available for industrial development. The SJRR presently has 500,000 square feet of heavy industrial space.

The Park, accessed from US Hwy 90, I10, and Sam Houston Tollway, will be able to utilize the joint BNSF and Union Pacific Lafayette line, once a new rail connection is established.

Timothy Ecklund, Principal of Rail Industrial Partners, said "Happy to announce that Rail-Industrial Partners and San Jacinto River & Rail Park / W&P Development, Inc. (SJRR) have entered into an agreement to jointly expand SJRR's current industrial base to now include rail-served industrial development and other rail services activities, including: transloading, terminal development, rail car cleaning, maintenance and repair, rail car storage and other value-added freight railroad services."

According to the San Jacinto website, there are currently 3.5 miles of existing rail throughout the park, but not currently in service. Putting it back in service is a top priority and critical to the profitability of San Jacinto River and Rail tenants. Both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad have trackage rights to serve the park, utilizing the high-volume Lafayette line.

The property has both a wastewater treatment plant and a surface water treatment plant that can be utilized by industrial customers.

The development of industrial rail parks across the state of Texas continues to grow. From West Texas through North and Central Texas and down to the Rio Grande Valley, there has been steady growth by developers working with Class 1 and Short Line railroads in the state to offer rail-shippers access to multi-modal transportation options and expanded facilities across the state. 

Photo credit: SJRR