Union Pacific begins repairs after Harvey

Union Pacific said it has begun the process of inspecting and repairing track and other infrastructure following the destructive effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Now a tropical storm, Harvey moved inland at Beaumont, Texas, bringing heavy rains and flooding to eastern Texas and western Louisiana.

Rail operations along the Gulf Coast from Brownsville, Texas to Lake Charles, La., are currently suspended due to high water and storm damage, UP said in an August 30 announcement to customers.

“As weather and access to storm-damaged areas allow, we are inspecting and repairing track, bridges and signals to return to service as quickly and safely as possible. We are beginning to inspect most areas in Houston and west of Houston. In areas where we have no road access, we are utilizing helicopters and drones to inspect areas by air. The majority of areas east of Houston are still inaccessible at this time.”

The railroad expected to begin clean-up at its Englewood and Settegast yards in Houston Wednesday or Thursday in order to return the yards to service.

Routes through San Antonio have opened up, allowing UP to run trains both north and south between San Antonio and Hearne, Texas. All Mexico gateways are open with the exception of Brownsville.

UP has issued embargoes on all rail traffic destined to stations on the Gulf Coast and inland that comprise our Houston Service Unit. The embargo is for all rail traffic, including intermodal equipment and automotive shipments. Customers should consider diverting cars away from the impacted area, the railroad said.