SW Illinois: Rail-Served Industrial Real Estate Expands

Rail-Served Industrial Real Estate Expands in Southwestern Illinois

St. Louis, USA – October 26, 2023 – The Southwestern Illinois region is experiencing a significant boost in its industrial real estate offerings, with the addition of over 300 acres of rail-accessible land to the existing pipeline. This expansion, spearheaded by the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), aims to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and strategically located industrial sites. The initiative includes four key properties, each offering unique advantages for businesses seeking rail connectivity and access to major transportation networks. This article will delve into the details of this expansion, exploring the specific sites, their potential, and the broader implications for the region’s economic growth.

The TRRA, a vital component of the St. Louis region’s freight transportation infrastructure, plays a crucial role in connecting businesses to the national rail network. This latest expansion underscores the importance of rail-served industrial real estate in attracting investment and fostering economic development. The availability of these strategically located sites will enable businesses to streamline their supply chains, reduce transportation costs, and access wider markets. This addition also highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize the region’s infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the industrial sector.

Rail-Connected Sites: A Strategic Advantage

The recent additions to the rail-served industrial real estate pipeline include four key properties: Madison Yard Farm Field in Venice, Wiggins Industrial Lead and Wiggins 5 in East St. Louis, and Wiggins 2 Yard, spanning both Brooklyn and East St. Louis. Each site has unique characteristics, but all share the significant advantage of direct connectivity to the TRRA network. This network provides access to all six Class I railroads (major freight railroads in North America), offering unparalleled flexibility for businesses shipping and receiving goods.

• Madison Yard Farm Field (Venice): The largest of the four, encompassing 140 acres. Its substantial size makes it ideal for large-scale industrial operations.
• Wiggins 2 Yard (Brooklyn and East St. Louis): This 80-acre site provides a strategic location with access to multiple transportation corridors.
• Wiggins 5 (East St. Louis): A 56-acre site, with an additional 20 acres available for future development, offering flexibility for various industrial needs.
• Wiggins Industrial Lead (East St. Louis): A 45-acre site with excellent rail access.

These sites are strategically located to take advantage of existing infrastructure and transportation networks. They are zoned for heavy industrial use, making them immediately suitable for a wide range of industrial developments.

Facilitating Economic Growth and Efficiency

The TRRA’s commitment to expanding rail-served industrial real estate is a testament to its understanding of the evolving needs of the industry. Rail transportation offers several advantages over other modes of transport, especially for heavy or bulk goods. These advantages include lower transportation costs per ton-mile, reduced traffic congestion, and a lower environmental impact. By providing businesses with direct access to the rail network, the TRRA facilitates supply chain efficiency and supports sustainable business practices.

The inclusion of these new sites in the pipeline allows for a greater variety of businesses to locate within the region. This directly translates to more jobs, increased tax revenues, and economic growth. The availability of these sites also sends a strong signal to potential investors, indicating that the region is proactive in supporting industrial development and providing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate business success. The TRRA’s efforts will help to ensure that the region remains a competitive hub for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

Connecting to the National Network

The connection to all six Class I railroads (BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, and Union Pacific Railroad) via the TRRA is a major draw for businesses. This provides unparalleled access to the national rail network, allowing for seamless transportation of goods across the United States and into Canada and Mexico. The TRRA plays a pivotal role in the efficient movement of freight within the St. Louis region, acting as a crucial link between these major railroads. This strategic connectivity reduces the need for costly and time-consuming transfers, streamlining the supply chain for businesses located in the area.

The infrastructure improvements planned, or in progress, further enhance the value of these sites. This includes upgrades to rail lines, signaling systems, and loading/unloading facilities. These enhancements improve the efficiency of rail operations, reducing transit times and improving the overall reliability of the network. The TRRA’s investment in its infrastructure ensures the long-term viability and competitiveness of the region’s rail network.

Conclusion: A Boost for Industrial Development

In conclusion, the expansion of rail-served industrial real estate in Southwestern Illinois, spearheaded by the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and development. The addition of over 300 acres across four strategic sites, including Madison Yard Farm Field, Wiggins 2 Yard, Wiggins 5, and Wiggins Industrial Lead, significantly enhances the region’s attractiveness to businesses seeking efficient transportation solutions. These sites are zoned for heavy industrial use and offer direct connectivity to all six Class I railroads via the TRRA, a critical advantage for businesses involved in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

The TRRA’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and providing rail access fosters supply chain efficiency, reduces transportation costs, and promotes sustainable business practices. The strategic locations of these sites, coupled with the enhanced access to the national rail network, make Southwestern Illinois a competitive hub for industrial activity. This expansion will not only create jobs and increase tax revenue but also attract further investment, solidifying the region’s position as a key player in the industrial landscape. This proactive approach by the TRRA ensures that the region remains well-positioned to support the evolving needs of the industrial sector and capitalize on future growth opportunities. The availability of these rail-served sites underscores the region’s commitment to providing the infrastructure and resources necessary for business success.

Company Summary:

Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA): A crucial switching and terminal railroad in the St. Louis region. It provides essential rail infrastructure and services, connecting all Class I railroads and supporting industrial and commercial activities.

Bi-State Development: The parent organization of TRRA. This agency is involved in various regional development initiatives, including transportation and real estate.