Arizona Corporation Commission To Review Tempe Town Lake Rail Bridge Repair Plan
The Arizona Corporation Commission has asked Union Pacific Railroad to delay repairs to a railway bridge at Rio Salado Parkway. But the railroad should not have to wait long.
The crossing was damaged when a Union Pacific train derailed on July 29.
Union Pacific has asked for an accelerated repair schedule, along with some design changes.
Commission attorney Stephen Emedi said that he supported a speedy repair process but felt the plans should be reviewed by the full commission.
“We do have a difference of opinion on actual statutes and what they require, and I would just reiterate that staff believes that commission approval is required before construction on the crossing begins,” Emedi said.
The commission is expected to take up the matter Wednesday.
“Staff does support approval of the Union Pacific’s application in this matter, however, staff does not believe that construction of the crossing should take place before an approval by the commission,” Emedi said.
The railroad had hoped to begin repairs before Wednesday.
