Reporting mark AUT Dates of operation 2011– Length 43.62 miles (70.20 km) | Locale Central Alabama Predecessor Norfolk Southern | |
Track gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge | ||
The Autauga Northern Railroad (reporting mark AUT) is a shortline operating between Maplesville, Alabama and a plant of the International Paper Company near Prattville, Alabama, 43.62 miles (70.20 km). This trackage is leased from Norfolk Southern and was originally operated by the Mobile & Ohio, Gulf Mobile & Ohio, and Illinois Central Gulf railroads as part of their line between Montgomery, Alabama and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In addition, Autauga Northern uses 10.08 miles (16.22 km) of trackage rights over CSX, also ex-GM&O, to gain access into Montgomery. The lease from NS was approved in February 2011, and operations began in April 2011 as part of Watco Companies.
Watco undertook a $2.39 million refurbishment of the railway after beginning operations to upgrade track to handle 25 mile-per-hour speeds. The railroad operates six days a week under Watco control, moving about 9,000 carloads per year.