UP set to open major intermodal facility in New Mexico

Tomorrow, Union Pacific Railroad plans to celebrate the grand opening of its new $400 million intermodal ramp in Santa Teresa, N.M.

Dignitaries scheduled to attend or speak at the ceremony include UP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jack Koraleski, U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.

Situated on a 2,200-acre site west of the Santa Teresa Airport, the facility had a "soft" opening in April and became semi-operational. The terminal includes fueling facilities, crew change buildings, an intermodal yard and ramp with an annual lift capacity of up to 225,000 containers.

The facility will support 300 to 600 permanent jobs once it reaches full capacity in 2025, UP officials said in grand opening announcement. The facility's estimated economic impact for New Mexico exceeds $500 million.

The facility will connect businesses to strategic markets located in the Southwestern U.S. and beyond, UP officials said.

"The southern region of New Mexico is now a strategic focal point where shippers can leverage the economic and environmental benefits of shipping freight by rail," they said.

The cover story in Progressive Railroading's June issue will provide more information about the terminal and its projected impact on UP's intermodal business, especially in Mexico. The issue will be available on or about June 10.