Railroads have connected large and small communities in Kansas, and far beyond, for more than 100 years. And that’s how long some of the components in those railroads have remained in operation. But projects across the state are bringing this critical infrastructure up to date.

Investments totaling nearly $50 million were recently completed, are ongoing, or slated to begin soon. These projects are the result of partnerships between the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL), Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KO), and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) are benefiting the state by making bridges and crossings safer, increasing track capacity, and helping industrial growth.

In early 2026, the SKOL team replaced two miles of 100-year-old rail along the Fall River south of Fredonia. The track follows the curves of the river. That stress, combined with the height above the waterway and high traffic on the line, made this a critical safety and structural upgrade. The $1.5 million project brought it up to 286,000-pound capacity and included ties, plates, ballast, and surfacing. 

A bit west, the new $2.8 million, 6,400-foot siding near Longton allows east-west trains to pass each other in transit, rather than waiting in a yard. It also provides railcar storage and a place to hold a train awaiting interchange.

To the south, nearly $2 million was invested in Coffeyville bridges and Cherryvale rail. The SKOL passes over two main roads on the east side of Coffeyville. Both bridges received significant structural upgrades to the deck, supports, and rail, and added community-specific artwork to either side. Cherryvale traffic is heavier and more frequent than ever. The new diamond at the intersections of the Neodesha, Chanute,  and Coffeyville subdivisions allows heavier, longer trains to move through the area more quickly.