Union Pacific to Resume Portland Rail at 10 Mph Despite Collapse Warnings
Updated
Updated · KATU · Aug 9
Union Pacific to Resume Portland Rail at 10 Mph Despite Collapse Warnings
3 articles · Updated · KATU · Aug 9
Summary
Sunday rail service is set to restart beside Portland’s burned Centennial Mills warehouse after Union Pacific told the city it will reopen the corridor despite warnings the structure could collapse onto the tracks.
10 mph speed limits, on-site personnel, ballast cars and a ban on toxic or hazardous cargo are part of Union Pacific’s plan to reduce risk while restoring disrupted Portland-Seattle passenger service and regional freight flows.
Portland officials say the danger has worsened since the Aug. 2 fire was contained: crack widths are increasing, walls have shifted, and the building is now leaning west toward Naito Parkway and the rail lines.
Aug. 14 is the city’s deadline for the owner to begin demolition, while officials also want a hazmat team and vibration monitors on site; investigators have not ruled out arson and say human remains are likely buried in the debris.