BNSF will present its argument before federal regulators, claiming Union Pacific is blocking its access to the Savage Tooele Railroad in Utah through unfair use of a connecting track. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

BNSF will present its argument before federal regulators, claiming Union Pacific is blocking its access to the Savage Tooele Railroad in Utah through unfair use of a connecting track
The Savage Tooele Railroad is reviving this former Union Pacific branch line in Utah. (Photo: STB)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has denied Union Pacific’s motion to dismiss the case, confirming it will hear BNSF’s complaint. The board said the issue involves conditions set during the 1996 UP-Southern Pacific merger.

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Savage held a groundbreaking in late 2024 to develop the Savage Tooele Railroad. The short line revives six miles of UP’s former Warner Branch and adds five miles of new track within Lakeview Business Park in Grantsville.

The project also rebuilds a quarter-mile segment and connects to the Union Pacific Shafter Subdivision via a 1.04-mile link reactivated in 2024. This connection is key to serving business park customers.

BNSF Claims Track Access Is Being Obstructed

BNSF argues that Union Pacific’s use of the connecting track creates a one-mile barrier, effectively blocking it from interchanging with the short line and reaching shippers at the site.

The railroad says this violates trackage rights granted under the STB’s 1996 merger approval. These rights include access to any new short line connecting to the Shafter Subdivision.

Union Pacific maintains the issue belongs in arbitration. However, the STB disagreed and said it has jurisdiction because the matter affects broader merger conditions.

STB Sets Timetable for BNSF and Union Pacific Submissions

Under the official schedule, BNSF must submit its case by September 25. Union Pacific will reply by October 27, and BNSF may file a rebuttal by November 24.

The board’s final decision could impact how access rights are interpreted under past merger agreements, particularly in areas critical to regional freight development.

BNSF believes the outcome will determine whether competition remains viable in new logistics corridors near Salt Lake City and beyond.

Source: www.freightwaves.com

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