Just FYI. UP is in the process even as I type of nearly finishing a complete rail upgrade on the line at east out to League City with plas to rehab the entire line to the UP yard on the Island. The rail is now modern, continuous welded rail. This line sees 6 to 10 trains a day plus a local that services the handful of industries along the subdivision. It was stated on an industry train forum that UP desires to minimize trackage rights on the BNSF Galveston sub through pearland-Alvin-Santa Fe, increasing freight commerce on their own Glaveston line makes the most sense. Speed should increase a bit but part of speed restrictions along the UP Galveston sub is busy grade crossings liek Bay Area Blvd. There is talk of long term plans to elevate Bay Area and other major grade crossings, and at one time talk of a connector near Ellington to the Bayport facility since the old SP line along 146 is cut at Kemah and a large section abandoned. The studies can be found on the TXDOT website. Most traffic on the UP Galveston sub along Hwy 3 runs at night, just heard a wailing horn half an hour ago. Its a well used and moderately busy line with clear intentions to make better use of it for freight. Running high speed would require much more than track upgrades in my opinion. In some areas the track is nearly in people's back yard and there are significant risks with running trains through such subdivisions at commuter speed. The many, many crossings pose a safety hazard as well. Once on the Island, old right of ways could easily be re-tracked, but I don't think its a passenger friendly route without major investment, double tracking (some places offer no room for double tracking), grade rasings and a user base that is not time-challeneged.