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I recently drove between Yuma and Gila Bend Arizona along Union Pacific's Sunset Route. Most of it is single track, but there was construction along it for several miles. It looks like they may be double tracking it, or maybe just adding some very long sidings.
Does anybody know what is happening there and why they are doing it?
Also, it looks like the new track has concrete ties, and is about 6" to 1' lower in elevation than the existing track. Why would they build it at a different elevation?
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
MPALMER Member # 125
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Konstantin,
Can't say for sure but they are probably some of each (extending double track and extending sidings). They have been upgrading the Sunset route over time...double tracking went in in the Benson area around '95. Don't know why there would be a (minor) elevation difference between the two tracks, though.
MP
Andybuzz2u Member # 2008
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I talked to my brother who is a former SP conductor out of El Paso, tx and he said that UP put money aside to double the entire sunset route from Houston, tx west and that this is going to be done over the next five to six years...he said the reason was the increased rail traffic from mexico and that the line was beginning to become congested with trains and that UP did not want another 97 slow down on its hands. And that UP is running directional traffic which means that the sunset line is mostly west bound traffic with the exception of amtrak and assighned locals and road switchers and the former MP line is east traffic towards Houston, and other ports...And im guessing in the diffrence in track height is for draniage..with dual main lines at the same height water tends to pool up between the rails instead of running off know there is not much rain out there but when it comes it comes..or they dont want to spend the time and money to match the hight of the orignal main...hope this helps any...Andy.
Konstantin Member # 18
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Thank you for the information. It's good to hear that the Sunset Route is being expanded.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
CP-home Member # 1924
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Does anyone know if UP is going to double track the Golden State Route also???
coach34135 Member # 1979
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I barely remember construction along there. I wonder if the double track would let the SL run a little more on time....(yeah right wishful thinking)
theriograndedude Member # 1793
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Well last year they were doubletracking the track north of Willcox, my home town for about 10 miles and some trackage south of the Dry Lake.
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