Gateway International Rail Park announced the formation of the Laredo Gateway Industrial Railway following Surface Transportation Board approval that concluded a 15-month authorization process.
The railway will operate approximately 2.6 miles of track connecting to Union Pacific Railroad’s mainline. The STB authorization grants common carrier status, requiring the railroad to provide public access to the North American rail system.
Kraus Development, a Laredo-based land and asset developer, is jointly developing the railway with Ironhorse Resources, an operating and development partner.
The railway will serve Gateway International Rail Park, described as the first modern rail-served industrial park in the Laredo market. The facility covers approximately 1,900 acres planned for manufacturing, warehousing, finished vehicle distribution, aggregates and logistics operations.
“Gateway International Rail Park was envisioned as more than an industrial park — it was designed to become the premier rail-served logistics hub in Laredo,” said Kurt Kraus, CEO of Kraus Development.
The park will feature more than 40 rail-served and non-rail-served lots with capacity for more than 12,000 railcars annually. The development will offer utility access and flexible development options.
Dan McLaughlin, assistant vice president of marketing and sales at Union Pacific Railroad, said the company is committed to partnering with short line railroads to expand network access and support cross-border freight growth.
David Stedman, CEO of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, said the railway investment strengthens the city’s ability to attract industrial development.
Matt Cundiff, president of Ironhorse Resources, said the company plans to help customers use rail service in the trade corridor.
