UP opens yard in Wyoming

Yesterday, Union Pacific Railroad held a ceremony to officially open a new $24 million yard about 20 miles west of Green River, Wyo.

Construction began on the Blacks Fork Rail Yard in August 2008 and concluded in December 2010.  The yard features 47,000 feet of track, including three tracks with the capacity to handle 150 rail cars each; a new bridge over Blacks Fork River; five automatic electronic identification readers designed to help monitor car movements; 13 switches; and 27,000 ties, including 11,000 steel ties.
 
“The Blacks Fork Rail Yard is the latest example of our company’s commitment to grow with our customers and provide great service,” said UP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Young in a prepared statement. “By improving the way rail cars are sorted for specific destinations, we are increasing efficiency, creating faster delivery time and helping our customers compete in a global economy.”