The state of Louisiana has a rich history of railway transportation, with a network of railroads that dates back to the mid-19th century. Today, the state has an extensive rail system that is vital for transporting goods, passengers, and resources across the state and beyond. In this essay, we will explore the Louisiana railroad map and provide detailed information about each railroad in the state.
Louisiana Railroad Map
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Union Pacific Railroad The Union Pacific Railroad is one of the largest railroad networks in the United States, and it has a significant presence in Louisiana. The company operates over 1,300 miles of track in the state, providing essential transportation services for a wide range of industries. The Union Pacific’s Louisiana rail lines run from New Orleans to Shreveport and on to Little Rock, Arkansas. They also have lines that run north to Monroe and east to Baton Rouge.
BNSF Railway The BNSF Railway is another major railroad company that operates in Louisiana. The company has a network of rail lines that run from New Orleans to Dallas, Texas, and on to Los Angeles, California. In Louisiana, BNSF operates more than 700 miles of track, providing transportation services to the state’s energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
Canadian National Railway The Canadian National Railway (CN) has a strong presence in Louisiana, operating over 300 miles of track in the state. The company’s lines in Louisiana connect New Orleans with Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles. CN provides vital transportation services for the state’s petrochemical, forest products, and agricultural industries.
Kansas City Southern Railway The Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) is a regional railroad company that operates in Louisiana and several other states in the South and Midwest. The company’s Louisiana rail lines run from Shreveport to New Orleans, with branches that serve Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and other cities in the state. KCS provides essential transportation services for a variety of industries, including chemicals, agriculture, and automotive.
Gulf Coast Switching Company The Gulf Coast Switching Company is a short-line railroad that operates in southern Louisiana, primarily serving the Port of New Orleans and the surrounding area. The company operates over 100 miles of track, providing switching and terminal services for various shipping companies and industries in the area.
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad is a terminal switching railroad that operates in the Port of New Orleans. The company’s tracks connect with all of the major railroads in the area, providing vital transportation services for shipping companies and industries that operate in the port.
Louisiana and Delta Railroad The Louisiana and Delta Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the southwestern part of the state, primarily serving the sugar cane and rice industries. The company operates over 200 miles of track, connecting the cities of Lafayette, New Iberia, and Jeanerette with the Mississippi River.
Acadiana Railway The Acadiana Railway is a short-line railroad that operates in the Acadiana region of Louisiana, primarily serving the area’s rice, soybean, and crawfish industries. The company operates over 60 miles of track, connecting the cities of Eunice and Crowley with the Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines.
Baton Rouge Southern Railroad The Baton Rouge Southern Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the Baton Rouge area, primarily serving the petrochemical and paper industries. The company operates over 10 miles of track, connecting with the Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern rail lines.
Louisiana Southern Railroad The Louisiana Southern Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the southeastern part of the state, primarily serving the oil and gas, paper, and agriculture industries. The company operates over 60 miles of track, connecting the cities of New Iberia, Jeanerette, and Baldwin with the Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines.
Port Harbor Railroad The Port Harbor Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the Port of Lake Charles, providing switching and terminal services for shipping companies and industries in the area. The company operates over 20 miles of track, connecting with the Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern rail lines.
Sabine River and Northern Railroad The Sabine River and Northern Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the northern part of the state, primarily serving the timber and paper industries. The company operates over 50 miles of track, connecting the cities of Many and Zwolle with the Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific rail lines.
Timber Rock Railroad The Timber Rock Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the central part of the state, primarily serving the timber industry. The company operates over 50 miles of track, connecting the cities of Jonesville and Ferriday with the Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific rail lines.
Louisiana Central Railroad The Louisiana Central Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the central part of the state, primarily serving the paper and forest products industries. The company operates over 30 miles of track, connecting the cities of Jena and Olla with the Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific rail lines.
In conclusion, the Louisiana railroad map is a vital part of the state’s transportation infrastructure, with a network of railroads that provide essential transportation services for a wide range of industries. From major national railroads like the Union Pacific and BNSF to regional and short-line railroads, each railroad in Louisiana plays a crucial role in the state’s economy. As the state continues to grow and develop, its railroad system will remain a vital part of its success, providing efficient and reliable transportation for businesses and communities across the state.
