advertisement

---

Yesterday, Union Pacific Railroad officials and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez marked the start of construction on an intermodal ramp and yard facility near Santa Teresa, N.M. The railroad began initial preparation work for the 2,200-acre site.

To be completed in 2015, the $400 million project calls for building fueling facilities, crew change buildings, locomotive inspection tracks, an intermodal ramp and switching yard. Situated along UP’s Sunset Route between Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas, the facility will be 11.5 miles long and one mile wide, and include 200 miles of track and 26 buildings for yard operations.

The project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs during construction and create 600 permanent jobs. In addition, similar UP projects have stimulated the development of millions of square feet of industrial properties — including warehouses, distribution centers and storage buildings — within five to 10 miles of the site, according to the Class I.

The Santa Teresa facility is designed as a southern New Mexico inland port and will serve as a “strategic focal point” for goods movement, UP officials said in a prepared statement.

“This new facility will allow us to continue to enhance the premium service we offer our customers,” said UP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Young.