UP invests in N.M. intermodal yard

UP invests in N.M. intermodal yard    Union Pacific Railroad has begun site preparation for a $400 million rail complex on 2,200 acres outside Santa Teresa, N.M., to enhance service, the company announced earlier this month.
   The facility, located on the busy 'Sunset Route,' will include fueling facilities, crew changing buildings, locomotive inspection tracks, an intermodal ramp and a switching yard.
   Construction is to be completed in 2015. More than 600 permanent jobs will be created to operate the facility.
   The railroad moved ahead with plans for the facility in April after Gov. Susana Martinez signed a state bill granting UP a locomotive fuel tax deduction.
   Once complete, the facility will be 11.5 miles long and one mile wide, will include 200 miles of railroad track and 26 buildings for yard operations. Industrial development and warehousing is expected to spring up around the facility to take advantage of easy access to long-distance transportation.
   The giant western railroad plans to invest $3.2 billion in 2011 on capital improvements.