The Louisiana Railroad is a mystery to many. What’s going on with it these days?…
You hear trains blow their horns at night as they make their way through downtown Ruston. You see them put a stop to traffic in the center of town time and time again. What are they carrying?
In this article, we’re looking at the Louisiana Railroad and how it relates to Ruston, LA. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s going on when those big aluminum boxes come rolling through Railroad Park. Get ready for a ride on the PeachTown Express!
Louisiana Railroad History
The Pontchartrain Railroad, chartered in 1830, was the first Louisiana railroad. It was a 5-mile New Orleans line which connected two suburbs for passenger travel and facilitated the transportation of goods outwards from NOLA. Over time, business on the line decreased, and operations ceased.
Other railroads have filled the hole it left over the years, and there are still many in operation today. These commercial lines transport all sorts of goods in and out of the state. As far as passenger lines, New Orleans currently hosts the only one, an Amtrak rail that runs exclusively within the city.
Trains in Northern LA
There are three railroad companies operating in northern Louisiana – Union Pacific Railroad, Burlington North Santa Fe Railway, and Kansas City Southern. These companies transport all sorts of oversized loads in and out of the state. Concerning Ruston, the trains which cross through the center of the city are owned and operated by Kansas City Southern.
Freight in Ruston
The Past
The remnants of old train depots can still be found in downtown Ruston. They’re easy to spot on either side of Railroad Park if you look carefully, and one is right across from a local coffee shop with an inspired name – The Depot. These pictures from the Louisiana Digital Library show them in working condition back in the 1970’s.
The Present
Kansas City Southern, established in 1887, ships agricultural products, metals, vehicles, and a variety of commercial goods for businesses and other shippers through downtown Ruston, Louisiana on the day to day. Their ability to ship cross-border to and from Mexico is a huge advantage their customers benefit from. Access to several ports, including those in Lake Charles and New Orleans, have contributed to their substantial success in LA.
Kansas City Southern trains will put a stop to the flow of Ruston traffic in a heartbeat, leading drivers to seek detours over and under nearby bridges. However, some drivers enjoy waiting their turn on the road while watching the cabooses pass by, as Louisiana train-spotting is an actual thing. Their trains cross through the city frequently, never resting at the depots which once served them.
Conclusion
If you were hoping to catch a train in Ruston, the only train you’ll be catching is the PeachTown Express! However, if you’re looking to ship goods on the Louisiana Railroad, you should check out Kansas City Southern.
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