UP might open New Mexico yard in late 2014

Union Pacific Railroad's intermodal ramp and yard that are under construction near Santa Teresa, N.M., might open slightly earlier than scheduled.

The entire $400 million project initially was slated for completion in 2015, but the second phase of work that began in July 2012 could be finished in late 2014, according to UP spokesman Aaron Hunt.

The project involves the construction of 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 New Mexico facility will be 11.5 miles long and one mile wide, and include 200 miles of track.