Union Pacific Keeps 400,000 Oregon Rail Cars Moving Near Collapse Risk as Portland Slows Trains to 10 mph
Updated
Updated · KATU · Aug 12
Union Pacific Keeps 400,000 Oregon Rail Cars Moving Near Collapse Risk as Portland Slows Trains to 10 mph
3 articles · Updated · KATU · Aug 12
Summary
Union Pacific said it will keep operating beside Portland’s fire-damaged Centennial Mills building, even as Mayor Keith Wilson’s emergency declaration underscores fears the structure could collapse before demolition starts Friday.
10 mph speed limits and a buffer alongside moving trains are now in place near the site, where officials are continuously monitoring the building for movement and have warned rail vibrations could trigger a collapse.
Asbestos and lead were found in fire debris from the warehouse, which burned days ago and remains unstable enough that Portland ordered it demolished by Aug. 14.
More than 400,000 rail cars either originate or arrive in Oregon, and Union Pacific says shutting the Portland line for more than a week with no clear end would disrupt regional industries, ports, small businesses and consumer goods supply chains.