Advancing US-Mexico rail route as environmental assessment is finalized
The Green Eagle Railroad's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has reached its final stage, with the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis issuing the final EIS on August 6-7, 2025. The railroad is a 1.3-mile segment within a new 19-mile rail route and a double-track bridge connecting Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico, intended as a secure corridor for BNSF and Union Pacific traffic[1][2][5].
Key findings and mitigation recommendations in the final EIS include:
- Noise impacts: To reduce noise concerns, the report recommends the installation of sound barriers on bridges[1].
- Archaeological concerns: Due to the potential disturbance of archaeological deposits during construction, the report calls for archaeological surveys and monitoring to protect significant sites[1].
- Endangered species and migratory birds: The EIS identifies the possibility of impacts to threatened or endangered species and migratory birds and recommends protective measures during construction and operation phases[1].
The report considered two route alternatives (Southern and Northern) and incorporated feedback from a public comment period that received 104 submissions from 92 commenters. None of the comments led to substantial changes in the final document[1].
The final EIS is a comprehensive 150-page document with extensive appendices (709 pages). The matter now proceeds to the Surface Transportation Board for a final decision on project approval[1][2][5].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, a shippers group has expressed concerns about the potential UP-NS merger, stating it will bring "dismal service" and "high rates". The UP-NS merger, if approved, could position intermodal giants on the wrong side of the map[6].
Elsewhere, the infrastructure fund has acquired the largest US regional railroad for $1 billion[7]. The Green Eagle Railroad project is still under consideration, with Freightcar America's earnings aided by efficiencies and demand[3].
[1] Surface Transportation Board [2] Green Eagle Railroad project [3] Freightcar America [4] BNSF Railway [5] Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) [6] Shippers group concerns about UP-NS merger [7] Infrastructure fund acquisition of US regional railroad
The Green Eagle Railroad project, with its connection of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico, is not only significant for the transportation industry but also has potential implications for the finance sector, as any investments made by the infrastructure fund are tied to its financial performance. Moreover, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) made recommendations for sound barriers on bridges and archaeological surveys and monitoring, indicating potential concerns in both the transportation and finance sectors, as the EIS may increase construction costs.
