UP begins Brazos Yard construction

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Union Pacific

Construction began early this month on Brazos Yard in Robertson County, Texas. Union Pacific says the $550-million yard is the largest capital investment in a single facility in its history.

UP says Brazos Yard is the first classification yard to be built in more than a generation and will showcase best practices in operating efficiency, technology and innovation. The yard is scheduled to be completed in 2020 and will have the capacity to switch up to 1,300 rail cars per day, making it one of the highest capacity yards on Union Pacific’s 23-state network.

“Brazos Yard will play an important role in helping Union Pacific’s men and women provide excellent service to our customers that represent a wide variety of economic drivers,” said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and CEO. “It also will improve efficiency and fluidity across our entire rail network.”

The Brazos Yard site sits at the convergence of seven Union Pacific rail lines, making it a strategic point for freight rail traffic travelling north, south, east and west. Brazos Yard will support Union Pacific’s customers that represent a wide variety of economic drivers across Texas, including cross border traffic, petrochemicals, consumer goods and plastics.

“This project has been an important part of Union Pacific’s planning for several years as we’ve monitored customer demand and economic growth across the region,” said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific’s assistant vice-president Public Affairs. “Based on current demand and building for future freight transportation needs, Union Pacific is making our largest capital investment in the Texas Brazos Valley.”

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