Union Pacific Capital Investments Strengthen Supply Chain Across the Southwest

Strategically located on Union Pacific’s Sunset Corridor, about 70 miles west of Tucson, the yard serves local industries and supports manifest, or mixed commodity, freight with its main line connection to California’s Port of Long Beach – a key gateway for goods.

The expansion project added four tracks, a new industrial lead, upgraded main line signals, a new yard control point and a powered switch – increasing fluidity for faster, more reliable deliveries to businesses and communities in the region.

“The new power switch helps train crews, who can avoid slips, trips and strain by no longer having to hand throw the switch,” said Marc Chavez, manager-Signal Construction. “This switch also gives access now on both ends of the yard to expedite train movement.” 

The work was completed on schedule and injury free by Union Pacific Engineering teams, including New Construction Gang 9441 led by Manager-Track Construction Justin Pettey, Signal Construction Zone Gang 8384 led by Foreperson Phil Zarate, and Signal Gang 3564 led by Foreperson Baldo Gomez.

“Our team is now able to serve more customers safely and efficiently,” said Michael Slade, senior manager-Train Operations. “The expansion is helping us deliver on-time performance.”

Union Pacific invests nearly $10 million daily in capital projects across its 23-state network to support network performance and supply chain reliability.