UP slates $38 million for New Mexico capex; advances intermodal plans for Port Walla Walla

Union Pacific Railroad has slated $38 million this year for capital expenditures in New Mexico.

The Class I's capital expenditure plans for the state include $15 million to replace 135,775 ties and install 92,220 tons of ballast between Tucumcari and Vaughn, and $4.8 million to replace 43,974 ties and install 22,440 tons of ballast between Vaughn and Corona.

Over the past five years, UP has invested more than $115 million on its infrastructure in the state.

Meanwhile, the Port of Walla Walla's Board of Commissioners in Walla Walla County, Washington, has approved a plan to sell part of its Dodd Road industrial plant to UP, which plans to open an intermodal facility on the site, the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reported.

The board agreed earlier this week to sell 38 acres to UP and provided easements that would allow the Class I to make roadway, fencing and gate improvements. UP also will relocate port-owned track and waterlines to make way for its planned facility.

The new development would add to UP's existing, cold-storage facility to enable UP customers to load cargo between trucks and trains.