(The following article by Mike Gorrell was posted on the Salt Lake Tribune website on February 24.)
SALT LAKE CITY — A Union Pacific branch line washed out by storm runoff late Tuesday west of Lake Mead is expected to be reopened today.
Railroad spokesman Mark Davis said Wednesday that crews were repairing a small stretch of the line that runs between Moapa and Overton, Nev. The track handles about three trains per week.
The damage was not nearly as severe as that sustained by the Caliente line that links Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. It was knocked out of action in the early January storm cycle that caused considerable flooding around St. George.
Union Pacific reopened that line Jan. 24, but still has not restored full service on its California “Coast Line.” Railroad officials estimate flood damage will exceed $200 million.