Union Pacific Track Renewal Project Set to Begin Jan. 16, 2015

By Reginald Lewis - Office of Communication

Posted on January 15, 2015, January 15, 2015

Beginning Friday, Jan. 16, Union Pacific will undertake a major railway improvement project between Dallas and Fort Worth. As a result, Arlington drivers will encounter some periodic road detours and closures between January 16 and 24.

This phase of the track renewal project will feature crews replacing the 13-mile stretch of the south mainline rail that runs parallel to Division. In addition to rail, crews will replace old wooden crossties and ballast, while concrete panels at each crossing will be renewed for a smoother approach for vehicles.

In order to work more efficiently, crews are scheduled to work 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. each day. Train horns will sound during this time for the safety of the track workers, even in the quiet zones.

With only two railroad crossings being closed at a time, here are the anticipated pairings:

Center & Mesquite

Closure 1/16 at 6 p.m. - Opening 1/18 at 7 a.m.

Detours: Collins, Cooper

View Phase 1 Map

Cooper & Davis

Closure 1/18 at 6 p.m. - Opening 1/20 at 7 a.m.

Detours: Center, Bowen

View Phase 2 Map

Great Southwest & Bowen

Closure 1/20 at 6 p.m. - Opening 1/22 at 7 a.m.

Detours: SH360, Davis

View Phase 3 Map

Collins

Closure 1/22 at 6 p.m. - Opening 1/24 at 7 a.m.

Detours: Center, Mesquite, Stadium

View Phase 4 Map

- Dates are subject to change

According to Union Pacific, once this phase of the project is complete trains traveling on the south tracks will operate more smoothly, more efficiently and with less noise. Unlike the Union Pacific project that rolled through Arlington in 2013, this phase should not have a significant impact on northbound and southbound traffic. If not prepared, however, commuters attempting to cross the train tracks could face delays if they do not seek detours.

Keep your commute on track with MyArlingtonTx.com or webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/up, your source for daily updates, project map, webcams and other information about the project. Follow the City of Arlington on Facebook and Twitter #TrackRenewal.