The BNSF Camp Howze rail link is now being built in Gainesville, Texas, with rail service to Camp Howze Industrial Rail Park expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027.

BNSF Camp Howze rail link starts in Texas
Photo: BNSF Railway on LinkedIn

The 489-acre master-planned site⁠ is about 70 miles from Dallas and is expected to become one of the largest rail-served industrial developments in North Texas. City officials said the park could support more than 7 million square feet of future industrial space. Camp Howze also holds BNSF Certified Site status⁠.

BNSF’s certified-site materials identify Camp Howze Rail Park as having 126 acres certified for development, with additional acreage available and direct access to BNSF. The program describes certified sites as rail-served properties reviewed by an industry expert to support accurate site data and readiness for development. In this case, that context helps explain why the Gainesville rail connection is tied not only to track construction, but also to preparing the industrial park for future rail-served tenants.

BNSF Camp Howze rail link construction begins

A groundbreaking ceremony for the rail construction was held on June 18, with community leaders, state officials, economic development partners and BNSF representatives attending the event. Once completed, the connection will allow BNSF to serve the park directly. Officials said rail service is scheduled to start in second-quarter 2027 and then grow in line with customer demand.

BNSF is carrying out the project with Camp Howze Development Partners, the city of Gainesville, the Gainesville Economic Development Corp., Cooke County, North Central Texas College and BNSF customers. Buzzi Unicem Cement, identified as the park’s first tenant, is among the shippers involved.

Transload and freight facilities planned

Plans for the development include a transload facility of more than 30 acres for truck-to-rail and rail-to-truck movements. A 200,000-square-foot freight forwarding facility also is planned. Officials said these elements are intended to give tenants multimodal access to regional, national and global markets.

Scott Bates, BNSF vice president of economic development, said:

“This project represents one of BNSF’s most significant recent investments in North Texas,”
“By providing modern, ready-to-serve rail infrastructure, BNSF and Camp Howze are positioned to accelerate development timelines and attract the type of rail-served industries that strengthen local economies and support long-term growth.”