(The report by Jim Becker appeared on the KOLD website on December 13.)
TUCSON, Ariz. — Sinking tracks and a break in the rail was a big problem for commuters over railroad crossings on the north and west sides of Tucson Wednesday.
One trouble spot is Ruthrauff where westbound lanes closed for repairs Wednesday morning and won’t reopen until 9 a.m. Friday. More trouble at the tracks crossing on Cortaro Road, where crews spent much of the day fixing them.
Workers use jackhammers and blow torches to repair a rail at Cortaro and I-10. Marana Police Officers helped to ensure things kept moving without collisions. By noon the track is safe enough to support trains again, but the weight of the freight brought a section of rail down settling three inches lower than it should be.
Union Pacific isn’t quite sure exactly why the ground isn’t stable. What is known is water is soaking the soil underneath and causing it to give way.
Rather than tear up the track, Union Pacific has hired a couple of companies to lift the rail and inject a foam underneath. The foam will expand, harden, and stabilize the soil.
The companies doing the work guarantee that the track will be stable for years.