 |
Re: Major news: UP buys back Arizona shortline for Mexico access
Author: Cliff Prather
Date: 09-06-2012 - 18:56
While this line may have been in poor condition, I think that the rail on it would have been fairly heavy since it was the southern route mainline to El Paso until about 1960. Not a 75 lb spur line.
I saw a recent report on the upgrading of the Guaymas harbor and the problems that the UP/FXE would have making improvements at Nogales. The current line between Nogales and Naco would need improvement and there is a steep grade out of Nogales.
The FXE line between Naco and Agua Prieta is very near the US/Mexico border so a connect outside Naco might be possible a several points.
Cliff
Wait a minute... Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> OK let's assume they left the track in
> place...what was the structure and geometry like?
> Was it FRA certified for more than 40 MPH? Was it
> 135 pound rail, welded joints and 30MPH switches?
> Or was it 75 pound spur track grade? What about
> grade crossings?
>
> The point is, would they have needed to rip it up
> anyway after this recent buy-back? I've never been
> there or seen it, but it seems likely to me that
> whatever track was laft in place from many years
> ago would have needed serious upgrading today.
> And, if they left the track in place, would the
> taxes be higher than if it was just right of way?
I saw a recent report on the upgrading of the Guaymas harbor and the problems that the UP/FXE would have making improvements at Nogales. The current line between Nogales and Naco would need improvement and there is a steep grade out of Nogales.
The FXE line between Naco and Agua Prieta is very near the US/Mexico border so a connect outside Naco might be possible a several points.
Cliff
Wait a minute... Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> OK let's assume they left the track in
> place...what was the structure and geometry like?
> Was it FRA certified for more than 40 MPH? Was it
> 135 pound rail, welded joints and 30MPH switches?
> Or was it 75 pound spur track grade? What about
> grade crossings?
>
> The point is, would they have needed to rip it up
> anyway after this recent buy-back? I've never been
> there or seen it, but it seems likely to me that
> whatever track was laft in place from many years
> ago would have needed serious upgrading today.
> And, if they left the track in place, would the
> taxes be higher than if it was just right of way?
