Railroad Maintenance To Begin

By JENNA RHUDE

Moapa Valley Progress

The Union Pacific Railroad will be doing some work on the railroad tracks through the lower Moapa Valley communities beginning this weekend. Work crews will begin replacing railroad ties along the line from Simplot through Moapa Valley.

The work will go at a fast pace. According to Union Pacific officials, the team can usually replace a mile of ties per day day at about 100 ties per mile.

The Nevada heat and dry conditions are not the most forgiving environment for the wood used in railway ties. The average life of a wooden tie is seven to eight years on heavy-traffic lines. The line that runs through Moapa Valley is not considered heavy traffic, so it has been about 18 years since the ties along this track have been replaced.

“It’s time for them to be done,” said David Hiller, Union Pacific manager of track maintenance in the area.

Another factor that plays into the life of the track system is abuse by OHV and motorcycles.
“When people ride their off road vehicles and motorcycles on the tracks, it ruins them,” Hiller siad. “Not to mention, it is extremely unsafe. Trains are very unforgiving. They are steel and people aren’t. Please be aware and safe.”

Hiller emphasized that there is no problem with people crossing the tracks as needed. But they should not stay and play on the train tracks. “Trains can’t swerve and they don’t stop quickly,” he explained.
Hiller also added that it might make a great photo spot, but railroad tracks are not a safe photography area.

The railroad right of way extends 25 feet on either side of the railroad tracks. The public is asked to be mindful of the railroad crews as they work in the area.
“We ask that people maintain a safe distance from the tracks at all times, especially when crews are working,” Hiller said.