Iowa Interstate Railroad

Iowa Interstate Railroad. The Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Class II railroad operating over 550 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad trackage between Chicago and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Founded in 1984, it is a critical freight carrier in the Midwestern United States, connecting key agricultural and industrial markets. The railroad is known for operating historic EMD F40PH locomotives in freight service and for its role in preserving a vital transcontinental rail corridor.

History

The railroad's origins trace to the 1980 bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, which severed a major transcontinental railroad link. In 1984, a group of investors led by Henry Crown and the CC Industries holding company acquired the core Chicago to Council Bluffs line, forming the new carrier. This acquisition preserved essential rail service for shippers across Illinois and Iowa. Throughout the late 20th century, the company expanded its reach by acquiring additional branch lines, such as tracks to Peoria and Springfield. The railroad has remained an independent entity, navigating the consolidation of the North American railroad industry and changes in ownership, including a period under the control of RailAmerica before returning to private ownership.

Operations

Primary operations focus on hauling unit trains of grain, ethanol, and fertilizer, serving the agricultural heartland of Iowa and Illinois. The railroad also handles significant traffic in manufactured goods, construction materials, and chemicals, connecting customers to Class I railroads like Union Pacific and BNSF Railway in Chicago and Council Bluffs. It functions as a vital bridge route, facilitating the movement of intermodal and autorack traffic between the West Coast and Midwestern markets. The company maintains important interchange relationships and operates several classification yards and transload facilities to serve local industries along its corridor.

Locomotive fleet

The locomotive fleet is notable for its use of rebuilt EMD F40PH units, originally built for Amtrak passenger service, which have been converted for heavy freight duty. This unique practice distinguishes the railroad within the North American freight industry. The fleet also includes various GP38, GP40, and SD40 models acquired from other Class I railroads. Maintenance and rebuilding programs are centered at the railroad's shops in Iowa City. The distinctive paint scheme, often featuring a red, white, and blue scheme with an eagle logo, pays homage to the predecessor Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.

Route

The main line extends approximately 550 miles from Bureau Junction near Chicago to Council Bluffs on the Missouri River. From Bureau Junction, the route runs west through Geneseo, Davenport (crossing the Mississippi River), Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha. Key branch lines serve Peoria, Springfield, and Cedar Rapids. The route essentially follows the path of the original Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad main line, paralleling major highways like Interstate 80 and traversing the fertile Corn Belt.

Corporate structure

The railroad is owned by Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd., a privately held company. It has been controlled by various investment groups throughout its history, including CC Industries and, for a period, the short-line conglomerate RailAmerica. After RailAmerica was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming Inc., the Iowa Interstate was sold to its current private owners. The corporate headquarters are located in Iowa City. As a Class II railroad, it is regulated by the Surface Transportation Board and employs several hundred people across its system.

Category:Rail transport in Illinois Category:Rail transport in Iowa Category:Class II railroads of the United States Category:Railway companies established in 1984