In October 2009, Collin County, the North East Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX), and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) began this feasibility study, at the request of Collin County, to examine the feasibility of an intermodal hub within the County. The study purpose is to determine if a need exists for a third regional intermodal/logistics hub.
A logistics hub is a freight facility typically containing a Class I Railroad hub, yard, or terminal; manufacturing and distribution facilities; drayage; and office/retail development. A general aviation or cargo airport may also be present. A minimum of 2,500 acres is necessary to accommodate these facilities and the supplier businesses located within the hub. In addition, a minimum of 10,000 feet of track on a tangent within the acreage is necessary.
For this Study, five potential sites within Collin County were reviewed:
- Site 1: Celina - at the intersection of the proposed Outer Loop and the BNSF Railway line
- Site 2: Melissa - at the intersection of the proposed Outer Loop and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail line
- Site 3: Farmersville - at the intersection of the proposed Outer Loop and the Kansas City Southern rail line
- Site 4: The intersection of the proposed Outer Loop and the NETEX rail right of way between Nevada and Josephine
- Site 5: Collin County Regional Airport, McKinney
Study Recommendations
Based on the elements that are necessary for a successful intermodal hub, including access to rail, a major roadway facility, and availability of land, Study Area 3, the Farmersville site at the intersection of the proposed Regional Outer Loop and the KCS rail line, is the area best suited to an intermodal hub and warrants further study. While Study Area 3 is recommended for further study as an intermodal hub, the need for a third regional hub is not immediate. The location of an intermodal hub within Study Area 3 is dependent upon the wishes of the City of Farmersville and the needs of the railroad. If the city and county are interested in moving forward with locating an intermodal hub within Study Area 3, it is recommended that the city begin acquiring the land for the intermodal hub so that the land is in public control. While the City of Farmersville and Collin County could move ahead and take these preliminary steps to make the area attractive as an intermodal hub, ultimately the decision to place an intermodal hub within Collin County ultimately rests with the Class I Railroads.
Collin County Intermodal Facility Presentation
Collin County Intermodal Hub Feasibility Study
Collin County Intermodal Interactive Map
