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Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad: "The A-OK"

Published: August 10, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad (AOK) is a short line serving Arkansas and Oklahoma, providing a crucial link in the regional transportation and logistics chain.

Established in 1996, the A-OK maintains components of the Rock Island's legendary Choctaw Route, covering approximately 135 miles along two disconnected segments.

The A-OK is a nod to a stillborn company of the same name that would have operated the entirety of the Choctaw Route between Tucumcari, New Mexico and Memphis, Tennessee (866 miles).  

Ultimately, during negotiations that took place during the 1980s the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas, along with the Rock Island's trustee, could not agree upon a price and most of the route was abandoned.  The current railroad runs from Howe to McAlester, Oklahoma as well as between Oklahoma City and Shawnee.

Arkansas-Oklahoma B23-7S #4098 and #4093 layover at McAlester, Oklahoma on April 20, 2023. The signal in the background guards the crossing with Union Pacific, ex-Katy mainline. Doug Kroll photo.

Historical Background

The Choctaw Route was integrated into the Rock Island system in 1902 following the Rock's acquisition of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad (CO&G).

Founded in 1894, the CO&G had taken over smaller rail lines to establish a continuous route from Memphis to Elk City, Oklahoma.

These acquisitions included the Choctaw & Memphis Railroad Company in eastern Arkansas and the Choctaw Coal & Railway in western Oklahoma. Initially, the line in Oklahoma primarily handled coal traffic, with branch lines extending into the coal mining regions. Some of these branch lines remained operational until the late 1930s.

In October 1895, the CO&G embarked on an ambitious expansion program, constructing the rail segment between McAlester and Shawnee, Oklahoma. This line operated under the CO&G until April 1904, when it was acquired by the Rock Island, along with most of its properties. The integration of these rail lines played a crucial role in enhancing the transportation network and supporting economic development in the region.

Creation

The Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad (AOK) began service on March 3, 1996, when David Donoley, a former Rock Island employee, acquired part of the old Choctaw Route.

Donoley, who started his railroad career in 1974 with the Rock, held various positions across the rail industry while always keeping a close watch on the line passing through his hometown of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

In the aftermath of the Rock's shutdown and abandonment, the 71-mile segment from Howe to McAlester was sold to the State of Oklahoma in 1986. Initially operated under lease by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy), which later merged into the Union Pacific, the line eventually found its way to Donoley.

Following more than 20 years of service, the A-OK exercised a purchase option included in the lease and acquired the line outright from the state in April, 2016.

Expanding its footprint, the railroad picked up an additional 34-mile segment from UP on July 7, 2000, extending from Shawnee to Midwest City.

Since its inception, AOK has capitalized on these strategically important routes to not only maintain service to industries in the region but also provide an economic boost to the local communities.

Operating Regions and Routes

The A-OK interchanges with major Class Is along both of its lines, including Union Pacific at McAlester and Kansas City Southern (now Canadian Pacific Kansas City) at Howe.

Meanwhile, the Shawnee-Midwest City segment intersects with both BNSF and UP in Oklahoma City, just west of A-OK’s Midwest City operations. 

Coal from Red Oak has long been a staple of traffic on the A-OK, handled to the UP interchange in McAlester, destined for a cement plant in San Antonio, Texas, and a steel plant in Mexico.  Other traffic includes aggregates and decorative stone.

The Shawnee-Midwest City segment has seen significant activity in the automobile sector, particularly for General Motors' Midwest City Automobile Logistic Facility.  Additional traffic includes agricultural products and chemicals.

Diesel Roster

Conclusion

The Arkansas–Oklahoma Railroad stands as a crucial regional transportation provider, distinguished by its robust operational capabilities, strategic connectivity, and unwavering commitment to customer service and safety.

By leveraging its extensive network, maintaining high operational standards, and fostering strong community ties, A-OK continues to play a pivotal role in the economic vitality of the regions it serves.

As it looks to the future, the railroad's focus on innovation, sustainability, and growth ensures it will remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering dependable and efficient transportation solutions for years to come.