Union Pacific Builds New Rail Line in Arizona Desert
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Notice
Summary
Union Pacific Railroad is getting the green light to build and run about six miles of new rail in Maricopa County, Arizona, connecting a big manufacturing zone to their main line. This new track will help companies like Commercial Metals Company move freight more easily and offer future shippers a fresh option. The project passed environmental and historic checks with some conditions, and construction can move forward soon without extra approval delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New 6‑Mile Rail Gives Shippers a Rail Option
Union Pacific may build and operate approximately six miles of rail in Maricopa County to connect the Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone to UP's main line. The Line will provide rail service for Commercial Metals Company and is expected to eliminate an estimated 35,000 truck trips per year (10,000 from current operations and 25,000 from a new facility).
Train Timing and Crossing Limits to Reduce Delays
The Board requires UP to operate trains on the new line outside peak periods (avoid 6:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–7:00 p.m. to the maximum extent practicable) and not to block at-grade crossings for more than 10 minutes when reasonably practicable. UP must also consult before increasing trains beyond two per day and comply with local requirements before routine peak-period operations.
Construction Rules for Dust, Noise, Hazmat, Permits
The decision imposes specific construction and environmental mitigation: dust control (water trucks), construction noise time limits (construction noise limited before 7:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. to the maximum extent practicable), hazardous materials planning and spill response, and required permits (e.g., Section 404 and stormwater permits). Contractors must implement these measures during project-related construction.
Project Expected to Support Local Jobs and Growth
The Board notes the project is expected to drive economic growth and expand high-skill manufacturing jobs in Maricopa County and to support CMC's operations in Mesa. The project has been described as facilitating expanded manufacturing activity in the Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
2026-19627, 5E SVM Railway Company, LLC-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Assets of Trona Railway Company LLC
5E SVM Railway Company, LLC is taking over and running a 30.6-mile rail line in California from Trona Railway Company LLC. This change means SVMR will start offering rail service right away, with expected yearly earnings under $5 million. No big railroad status changes or limits on connections with other railroads will happen.
2026-19105, The Great Walton Railroad Company, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-The Athens Line, LLC
The Great Walton Railroad Company (GWRC) is fixing a paperwork slip-up by officially getting permission to keep controlling The Athens Line, LLC, a small railroad it owns. This move won’t change how the railroads connect or affect big rail companies, and it kicks in on October 4, 2026. No extra costs or employee protections are involved since it’s all small railroads.
2026-19099, Ventura County Railroad Company-Operation Exemption-Ventura County Railway Company, LLC
Ventura County Railroad Company is extending its agreement to operate about 12 miles of rail lines around Port Hueneme and Oxnard for another five years, with an option to add five more. This means VCRR will keep running trains on these tracks without big changes to costs or services, starting October 4, 2026. The deal keeps VCRR as a small rail carrier, making sure local freight keeps moving smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05178, Marine Mammals; File No. 29433
The University of Alaska Museum of the North wants a 10-year permit to receive, import, and export parts from up to 200 whales and dolphins and 1,000 seals each year for scientific research. This helps scientists worldwide study marine mammals better. Public comments are open until April 16, 2026, so anyone interested can share their thoughts before a decision is made.
Next: 2026-05180, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering special permission for 14 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to drive commercial trucks across state lines. These drivers take medicine to control seizures and want a chance to work despite current rules. You can share your thoughts by April 16, 2026, and this could open new job opportunities without extra costs for those who qualify.