USA: Portland has warned that rail movement beside fire-damaged Centennial Mills could trigger a collapse as Union Pacific prepares to restore freight operations through the corridor on Aug. 9.

Union Pacific freight locomotives on tracks in Portland, Oregon
Union Pacific freight locomotives on tracks in Portland, Oregon. Illustrative photo. Photo: Loco Steve, CC BY 3.0.

Union Pacific says rail operations through the area were suspended after Portland Fire & Rescue established a safety perimeter on Aug. 2 because of concerns about the remaining structure. The railroad said the perimeter extends across about 50 feet of railroad right-of-way and includes two Portland Terminal Railroad tracks, affecting freight, passenger and other rail movements.

Why Portland says the structure may collapse?

In the City of Portland’s Aug. 8 response, City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III said both lines Union Pacific intends to use are inside the identified collapse zone.

The city reported continuing deterioration at the building: walls and the structural footings for the rooftop water tank are showing movement and degradation, crack widths are increasing, and walls have leaned or moved in different directions since Aug. 2. Portland said the structure is currently leaning west, toward Naito Parkway and the rail lines.

Lee said engineers advise that movement in the area may cause a collapse. The city also warned that if part or all of the building falls toward the tracks while a train is passing, the train could be struck, creating a risk of death, serious injury and property damage.

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Union Pacific sets a 10 mph operating limit

Union Pacific’s Aug. 7 operating notice says it plans to resume rail operations effective Aug. 9 with several precautions. The railroad will inspect the affected corridor before service resumes, station qualified railroad personnel such as flaggers at the site during train operations, place loaded ballast cars on the eastern track and cap train speeds at 10 mph.

The railroad also plans to restrict loaded cars carrying toxic inhalation hazards or poison inhalation hazards from the corridor through Aug. 21. Union Pacific said the measures are intended to address current conditions while restoring freight and passenger rail service.

Portland says those steps do not resolve its concerns. The city has requested a hazmat team on site at all times and building-monitoring equipment, including vibration detection, to provide warning of an imminent collapse. A Union Pacific spokesperson told KATU that the railroad is reviewing and considering the requests.

Demolition is due to begin by Aug. 14

Portland has ordered demolition of the damaged structure to begin by Friday, Aug. 14. The area around Centennial Mills remains an active investigation scene, and city officials are urging the public to stay outside the closure area and respect road barricades and caution tape.

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