The United States Army Corps of Engineers has awarded Granite an approximately $71 million contract to expand and update the Union Pacific (UP)-served rail yard at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Tex.
Watsonville, Calif.-based Granite made the announcement Jan. 21. The project, it said, will add new loading spurs, enlarge the vehicle staging area, and create a secondary connection from the rail yard to UP (Carrizozo Subdivision). The aim: to “boost the rail yard’s capacity, improve efficiencies and reduce the timeline required for rail loading operations.” Work is expected to begin next month and wrap up in June 2027.
Guy Volb, Director of Fort Bliss Garrison Public Affairs, recently told the El Paso Inc. newspaper that the rail yard was constructed in 2002 to support Fort Bliss-stationed Air Defense units, and it supports about 80 freight trains per year, each comprising more than 70 railcars.
“Our work at Fort Bliss not only showcases Granite’s capabilities, but also strengthens our internal partnerships and provides growth opportunities for our employees,” Granite Vice President of Regional Operations Derek Betts said.
“The project underscores the new strategic collaboration between the Federal Division and the Regions,” added Curt Haldeman, Granite Vice President of Regional Operations. “It offers regional employees a chance to enhance their federal work experience and helps us expand our market presence in West Texas.”
