Austin Western Railroad

Austin Western Railroad
Overview
HeadquartersRound Rock, Texas
Reporting markAWRR
LocaleTexas
Dates of operation2007–
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length154 miles (248 km)
Other
Websitewww.watcocompanies.com
Route map
Map

The Austin Western Railroad (reporting mark AWRR) is a Class III short-line railroad headquartered in Round Rock, Texas.[1] AWRR is a subsidiary of Watco. It is the contracted operator of 126 miles (203 km) of ex-Southern Pacific trackage, now owned by Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. AWRR operates the line from Fairland, Texas to Giddings, Texas, in addition to 6.4 miles (10.3 km) of branchline from Fairland to Marble Falls, Texas. Another 28 miles (45 km) of track remain out of service between Fairland and Llano, having most recently seen revenue service in 2005. This portion comprises the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Historic District.

The AWRR interchanges with the Union Pacific and BNSF Railway; both at McNeil, Texas.

The AWRR shares trackage with the CapMetro Rail Red Line between Leander and Austin.

The Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA) operates excursion trains between Cedar Park and Burnet.

  1. ^ Nunez, Jenifer (23 October 2015). "BNSF names Austin Western Railroad its shortline of the year". RT&S. Retrieved 25 October 2024.