There are certain markers that must be in place to make the case for rail at an airport. It’s not just about the rail line coming through or near the property. All forms of rail have an operational classification — how the rail will operate and what kind of infrastructure it will need to operate based on its intended use. It’s important when considering rail that would be within or adjacent to airport property that it can truly be implemented based on its classification.

For example, a classification as mainline rail would dictate that there could never be stoppage on that line, and speeds for entering and exiting would have to be congruent with other traffic on the line. This would require longer spurs and considerable siding or a ladder track, which would require a lot more space to build upon. Another operational item to consider is if power switching is necessary. If so, more expensive infrastructure would be required for safety reasons and for more control over the line.

Many airports’ non-aeronautical land tracts are located close to existing rail service. This can serve as an advantage; however, it is not an immediate indicator that services can be extended to the airport property. Thorough diligence is suggested to ascertain the ability to extend any existing rail right-of-way to serve the site, and can be completed by an engineering team skilled in rail design and operations along with approvals from the rail provider.

Property diligence is important within the context of determining rail-service potential within non-aeronautical land tracts. A thorough assessment of natural and built environment factors to account for easements, access, drainage, encumbrances and overall developable area is necessary before an assumption of track layout can occur. It is difficult to develop rail within the non-aeronautical portion of airport property without existing rail service nearby. To determine the plausibility of the ability to implement rail in instances that involve extending over a significant distance, it is necessary to discuss with an engineering team skilled in rail design. This team can help determine if right-of-way can be established, gain an understanding of the operational classification of that rail line for assumption of order-of-magnitude costs to extend, and complete on-site property diligence to create a master plan.

While the master plan can be adjusted to accommodate growth demands that may not be represented in this conceptual representation, the plan will serve as a guide to what areas must be preserved — including the areas designated for rail track development — to adhere to rail operational and geometric rules.

There are many opportunities that can come with adding industrial rail at your airport, but before taking that route, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and justify the rail’s operational ability prior to implementing this mode of transportation.