Dates of operation 2002–Present Headquarters Chicago | Founded 2002 | |
Track gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Locale Oelwein, Fairbank, Dunkerton, Dewar | ||
The D&W Railroad is a shortline railroad operated by the Iowa Northern Railway.
Contents
History
The D&W Railroad was formed in 2002 by TRANSCO Railway Products in order to acquire the rail line from Dewar to Oelwein, Iowa, from the Union Pacific Railroad in lieu of abandonment. D&W Railroad headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. In 2005 the railroad reorganized from D&W Railroad, Inc., to D&W Railroad, LLC.
The D&W owns 18.8 miles (30.3 km) of track. The railroad is operated by the Iowa Northern Railway in order to provide service to shippers.
Upon the completion of the Hawkeye Renewables, LLC Plant in Fairbank in May 2006, Hawkeye Renewables became part owner of the line from Dewer to just outside Fairbank. Plant capacity was originally stated as 100 MMGPY(Annual ethanol production capacity (in millions of gallons)) but quickly increased to 115 MMGPY of ethanol production.
On January 6, 2011, Hawkeye Renewables, LLC plant in Fairbank a notice of agreement was given of sale to Flint Hills Resources Renewables, LLC. Sale of the Hawkeye Renewables, LLC plant in Fairbank to Flint Hills Resources Renewables, LLC was completed on February 17, 2011. Upon completion of the sale Hawkeye Renewables, LLC relinquished its part ownership of the D&W Railroad back to TRANSCO Railway Products.
The main products handled on the rail line include grain, chemicals, plastic pellets, grain products and rail cars to be repaired or rebuilt.
Naming
The "D" and "W" was dedicated in remembrance for Dan and Woody, two former TRANSCO Railway Products employees, who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Oelwein.