Years of planning and negotiating are finally paying off as Union Pacific begins construction on a $550 million, 1875-acre rail yard in Robertson County, Texas. Brazos Yard, named for the valley where it is located, will showcase best practices in operating efficiency, technology, and innovation.

The project is expected to create 500 or more construction-related jobs and contribute an estimated $260 million in annual total output for the state of Texas. The new facility will be at the junction of seven Union Pacific rail subdivisions and will function as a classification yard where shipments of goods can be separated, sorted, and redistributed to trains bound for different parts of the country.

Susan Dillon Ayers has been the lead condemnation attorney for the project since it began. Her excitement for the new rail yard anticipated to be completed in 2020 is palpable:

“I can’t wait to stand in the middle of that yard when it’s finished! It has taken a lot of hard work by people with terrific commitment, determination, and vision. This is an incredible undertaking that will be great for Robertson County, for the area’s residents, and for Union Pacific and the millions of people across the country it serves.”

Meet Sue

Susan Dillon Ayers is a member of Jackson Walker’s Eminent Domain group and a partner in our Austin office. She represents condemnors in all aspects of land acquisition, including negotiation of easements and crossing agreements, the purchase of real property in fee simple, condemnation, and appeal. During the 2017 Legislative Session, Sue advised Texas Central Railroad & Infrastructure regarding bills that would impact condemnations and high-speed rail. She is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a sought-after speaker and writer on eminent domain issues.