Convenient Transportation Options Fuel Development in Heart of Texas
Published Apr 24, 2008
Easy access to Interstates 35 and 45 makes it convenient for manufacturers to export goods to most of the country.
From trucks to trains to airplanes, convenient transportation options are fueling economic development throughout the Heart of Texas region.
“With the global economy, our transportation infrastructure connects the region to the rest of the world,” says John Helsley, president of the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts, a not-for-profit organization that promotes growth of short-line railroads to link agricultural and business clients with the area’s two major railroads, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific.
Quick access via Interstates 35 and 45, Amtrak passenger service, convenient flights at Waco Regional Airport and private travel at nine general-aviation airports round out the region’s transportation options and explain why businesses such as Wal-Mart have located major logistics centers and warehouses here.
“We were attracted by Waco’s central location and infrastructure,” says Mike Hansen, Wal-Mart’s regional transportation manager for Texas. Because the Wal-Mart Return Center serves stores in a large part of the Southwest, the company needed a central location to save trucking time and expense.
“Our return center is right on the freeway,” Hansen says. “It’s very convenient for our drivers,” and fuel-efficient, too.
Logical Logistics
In fact, many other shippers have been attracted by the Heart of Texas’ central location within a triangle formed by Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Looking at a map, they can quickly see that the six-county region is an easy day’s drive from many of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
That explains why the region is home to more than 30 motor-freight carriers and a growing number of distribution centers.
In McLennan County, for example, trucking is fueling a multimillion-dollar boom at the city of Robinson’s industrial park along I-35. Recent projects there include SAIA Motor Freight’s $1.3 million depot, Southeastern Freight Lines’ $1.7 million depot and Southern Tire Mart’s 21,000-square-foot, $1 million warehouse.
In Waco, meanwhile, the 975,000-square-foot, $7.9 million Caterpillar Logistics Center is in the works.
Transportation options would grow even further if the Trans Texas Corridor becomes reality. It would add a new high-speed highway with separate lanes for trucks as well as high-speed passenger rail service.
Christopher Evilia, transportation planner for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, says the proposal has sparked an important conversation about future transportation needs. “A lot of it is being fueled by the tremendous growth of the region,” Evilia says.
Air Travel Accelerates
Anticipating growth, Waco Regional Airport is undergoing a $7 million expansion that will increase convenience and safety, including three new gates, enclosed boarding bridges, a new fire station and other improvements. The airport, which offers American Eagle service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Continental Connection service to Houston, had a record 75,000 boardings in 2006, according to Waco Aviation Director Richard Howell.
“It’s easy to get to the airport. Parking is free. Fares are competitive. It creates a great experience for the traveler and is a great return on the community’s investment,” Howell notes.
The same can be said of all the transportation options that keep the Waco region moving forward.
Story by Bill Lewis
Photo by Wes Aldridge
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