Kansas is one of the key states for rail transportation in the United States. Located in the heart of the country, it is a crossroads for multiple rail lines that connect the east coast to the west coast. Railroads have been an integral part of Kansas’s history since the mid-1800s, and they continue to be a crucial part of its economy today. In this essay, we will provide a detailed overview of every railroad in Kansas and the role they play in the state’s economy.
Kansas Railroad Map
Click Here to Download
Before we delve into the individual railroads, it is important to provide some context about the overall rail system in Kansas. The state is home to over 4,600 miles of railroads, making it the fifth-largest state in terms of rail mileage. The vast majority of this mileage is owned by four major railroads: BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Norfolk Southern Railway. These railroads are essential for transporting goods such as grain, oil, and other commodities across the country, and they play a vital role in the state’s economy.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these railroads:
BNSF Railway:
BNSF Railway is the largest railroad in Kansas, with over 3,200 miles of track in the state. The railroad operates primarily in western and central Kansas, with major rail yards in Topeka, Dodge City, and Wellington. BNSF Railway is known for its expertise in transporting agricultural products, particularly grain, which is a major commodity in Kansas. In addition to agricultural products, BNSF also transports coal, crude oil, and various other commodities.
Union Pacific Railroad:
Union Pacific Railroad is another major railroad in Kansas, with over 1,000 miles of track in the state. The railroad operates primarily in eastern Kansas, with major rail yards in Kansas City and Topeka. Union Pacific is known for its expertise in transporting intermodal shipments, which are shipments that involve a combination of truck and rail transportation. In addition to intermodal shipments, Union Pacific also transports agricultural products, coal, and various other commodities.
Kansas City Southern Railway:
Kansas City Southern Railway is a smaller railroad in Kansas, with only about 200 miles of track in the state. The railroad operates primarily in southeastern Kansas, with a major rail yard in Pittsburg. Kansas City Southern is known for its expertise in transporting automotive products, particularly automobiles and automobile parts. In addition to automotive products, Kansas City Southern also transports various other commodities, such as chemicals and petroleum products.
Norfolk Southern Railway:
Norfolk Southern Railway is the smallest railroad in Kansas, with only about 50 miles of track in the state. The railroad operates primarily in northeastern Kansas, with a major rail yard in Kansas City. Norfolk Southern is known for its expertise in transporting coal, particularly from the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. In addition to coal, Norfolk Southern also transports various other commodities, such as chemicals and petroleum products.
In addition to these major railroads, there are also several smaller railroads operating in Kansas. These railroads play a vital role in transporting commodities to and from smaller communities throughout the state. Here are some of the key smaller railroads operating in Kansas:
South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad:
South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad is a regional railroad operating in southeastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. The railroad has about 150 miles of track in Kansas, with major rail yards in Cherryvale and Coffeyville. South Kansas and Oklahoma is known for its expertise in transporting agricultural products, particularly wheat and other grains.
Garden City Western Railway:
Garden City Western Railway is a short line railroad operating in western Kansas. The railroad has about 80 miles of track in Kansas, with a major rail yard in Garden City. Garden City Western is known for its expertise in transporting agricultural products, particularly wheat and other grains, as well as serving local industries and businesses.
Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad:
Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad is a short line railroad operating in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. The railroad has about 15 miles of track in Kansas, with a major rail yard in Arkansas City. Blackwell Northern Gateway is known for its expertise in transporting agricultural products, particularly wheat and other grains, as well as serving local industries and businesses.
Central Kansas Railway:
Central Kansas Railway is a short line railroad operating in central Kansas. The railroad has about 60 miles of track in Kansas, with a major rail yard in Solomon. Central Kansas is known for its expertise in transporting agricultural products, particularly wheat and other grains, as well as serving local industries and businesses.
These smaller railroads, while not as large as the major railroads, are still vital for transporting goods to and from smaller communities throughout Kansas. They help connect local businesses and industries to larger markets and play an essential role in the state’s economy.
In conclusion, railroads have been a critical part of Kansas’s history and continue to be an integral part of its economy today. The state’s vast network of railroads, including major railroads like BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, as well as smaller regional and short line railroads, help transport agricultural products, coal, oil, and other commodities across the country. While each railroad has its own area of expertise, together they form a complex web of transportation that is vital to the state’s economic success. The Kansas Railroad Map is a comprehensive guide to the railroads operating in the state, and understanding the role of each railroad is essential for understanding the state’s overall economy.
