Short Lines & Regionals
OmniTRAX forms new short line in Illinois

Newly formed OmniTRAX Inc. subsidiary Peru Industrial Railroad LLC recently began providing service on three miles of track in Peru, Ill., after acquiring the line from the city.

Peru Industrial Railroad has a direct connection with Illinois Railway LLC, which also is owned and managed by OmniTRAX. Together, the short lines operate 116 miles of track and interchange with BNSF Railway Co., CN, Canadian Pacific, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway. The short lines handle frac sand, industrial products and other commodities.

The acquisition enables the company to expand its footprint in Illinois, attract new shippers and create jobs, OmniTRAX officials said in a press release.

“The rail line is a natural add on for OmniTRAX and will create great freight and development opportunities for the city of Peru,” said OmniTRAX Chief Executive Officer Kevin Shuba. “When combined with the Illinois Railway, this operation will provide our customers with needed services, while delivering new jobs and economic growth to LaSalle County and beyond.”

The city started on the Illinois River and authorized its first railroad in 1887, said Mayor Scott Harl.

“The city is at the crossroads of two interstate highways and owns a regional airport. This sale further enhances our position as a center of transportation logistics, and we look forward to working with Peru Industrial Railroad to further develop that industrial corridor,” he said.