Western Edition
Published Nationally ® June 24 2018 Vol. IX • No. 13
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded 1957.” 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215-885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com
Inside
Union Pacific Invests $550M in Brazos Rail Yard By Cindy Riley
Union Pacific photo
CEG CORRESPONDENT
When Irving Contractor Lands Its First Job, More Follows...8
Five Western States Honored in National Competition...20
ROMCO Equipment Hosts Cemen Tech’s Texas Roadshow...28
With an expected cost of more than half a billion dollars, Union Pacific Railroad’s latest construction project is one for the record books. Work on Brazos Yard in Robertson County, Texas, began in January on approximately 1,875 acres. “At $550 million, Brazos Yard represents the largest capital investment in a single facility in the company’s 155-year history,” said Jeff DeGraff, Union Pacific spokesman. “As the first yard of its kind built in more than a generation, it will showcase best practices in operating efficiency, technology and innovation. “This project has been an important part of Union Pacific’s planning for several years, as we’ve monitored customer demand and economic growth across the region. We’re moving forward now, based on current demand and building for future freight transportation needs.” DeGraff said Brazos Yard construction is progressing with the earthwork for the track grade, road grade and drainage, adding that the economic benefits will be significant, once work is finished. “Union Pacific estimates 500 to 550 construction jobs will be created during the more than two years of this project. Once completed, the yard will have an impact across the region, with estimates of up to 1,200 direct or indirect
A large outfall channel between the yard and the Brazos River is being built to accommodate the drainage requirements.
jobs across the state stemming from activities associated with the yard. A study completed by Texas A&M University’s Engineering Extension Service predicted the completed yard will contribute almost $260 million in annual total output for the state of Texas. The project is fully funded by Union Pacific. It is a capital investment with zero public dollars. “We started working on the project from a
Truck & Trailer Section ........ ......................................21-24
$75M I-40 Interchange Project Under Way
Attachments Section....29-31
By Chuck Harvey
Table of Contents ................4
CEG CORRESPONDENT
Recycling Section ........35-44 Auction Section............47-51 Business Calendar.............48 Advertisers Index ..............50
$3.00
Phase I of a major reconstruction project focused on safety, increased capacity and modernization is under way at the intersection of I-40 and Choctaw Road east of Oklahoma City. The cost of the project is not to exceed $75 million. Oklahoma
Department of Transportation is overseeing the project. Bridge removal and widening of I-40 are part of the work that includes the reconstruction of the Choctaw Road interchange. Workers will widen I-40 to six lanes plus auxiliary lanes between I-240 and Peebly Road. An auxiliary lane, the extra see INTERCHANGE page 32
planning perspective about six years ago,” said DeGraff. “It’s exciting for the team to see the project progressing. The last hump yard was built a generation ago, and Brazos Yard will play a key role in ensuring that Union Pacific’s network continues to help the United States’ economy grow. The engagement with the operating team also is exciting, as they prepare for the completion of the project and the opportunisee RAILROAD page 18
Oklahoma Department of Transportation photo
The cost of the project is not to exceed $75 million. Oklahoma Department of Transportation is overseeing the project.