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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06467 — Stillwater Central Railroad, L.L.C.-Lease and Operation Exemption-Hollis & Eastern Railroad, L.L.C.
Stillwater Central Railroad is renewing its lease to run trains on a 14-mile track between Duke and Altus, Oklahoma, with updated terms from Hollis & Eastern Railroad. They expect to make over $5 million a year but are asking to skip a usual 60-day employee notice. The final approval and start date will be decided soon, with a deadline for challenges on April 10, 2026.
2026-06455 — Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey-Acquisition of Control-Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc.
Back in 2010, Thomas and James Hey took control of Minnesota Motor Bus without getting official permission. Now, in 2026, they’re fixing that by asking for approval after the fact. If no one objects by May 18, this approval will become final, letting them keep running things smoothly without any money or timing troubles.
2026-06555 — Railroad Cost Recovery Procedures-Productivity Adjustment
The Surface Transportation Board says railroads got 1.5% more productive each year from 2020 to 2024. This new number helps decide how much railroads can raise their rates to cover costs. Railroads, shippers, and anyone watching prices should note that this change kicks in April 18, 2026, unless someone spots a mistake and files a comment by April 15.
2026-06331 — TransloadX Railroad Company, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-CSX Transportation, Inc.
TransloadX Railroad Company is set to lease and run two railroad lines from CSX Transportation in Maine, covering about 37 miles. Starting April 16, 2026, TransloadX will take over operations and serve local customers, aiming to keep things smooth without big revenue changes. This switch means a fresh, smaller railroad operator stepping in to keep the trains rolling and business growing!
2026-05941 — Buckingham Branch Railroad Company-Discontinuance Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.
Buckingham Branch Railroad wants to stop running trains on a 4.2-mile track between Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, because the U.S. Navy is buying nearby land for security reasons. This change mainly affects one local shipper, Gordon Paper, and will happen after the Navy’s purchase is finalized. The railroad says keeping the line open won’t make sense financially or operationally anymore.
2026-05940 — Canonie Atlantic Co.-Abandonment Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.; Buckingham Branch Railroad Company-Discontinuance Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.
Canonie Atlantic Co. and Buckingham Branch Railroad want to stop using about 2.3 miles of rail track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. Canonie Atlantic has owned the track since 1985 but never ran trains on it, while Buckingham Branch has operated it since 2018. This change means the rail line will be abandoned and service discontinued soon, affecting local rail operations and possibly shifting some freight to trucks.
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.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in