The City of Rochelle is disappointed to learn of the Union Pacific Railroad’s decision to close the intermodal ramp at Global III.
Upon hearing the news of the closure, Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson said, “The Union Pacific and the City of Rochelle have been partners in bringing economic development opportunities through Global III for more than 15 years, with dozens of local industries utilizing the UP’s intermodal service.”
Fortunately, the City of Rochelle is developing a plan to offer an alternative to industries seeking local intermodal services.
“The City Council and Staff are already at work to keep the jobs related to intermodal services in Rochelle. We are exploring the possibility of the City of Rochelle Railroad providing intermodal services,” said Mayor-Elect John Bearrows upon receipt of the news.
Last fall, the City of Rochelle Railroad broke ground on a multi-phased project to expand its “Multi-modal” rail service. The City of Rochelle Railroad will soon open Phase I of its new Transloading Operation and Unit Train Switching Services. This service includes:
- • Direct access to both the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe mainline service
- • Double track transloading yard for bulk, box car, flat car and tanker car loading/unloading
- • Expanded unit train and manifest switching capacity.
“Although we are saddened to hear of the Union Pacific Decision to close Global III, our team is committed to opening new doors for industries who have grown to depend on local intermodal operations,” said City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh.
Jason Anderson, the City’s Economic Development & Railroad Director stated: “Phase II of the Multi-modal project is being designed and the City will begin to study the feasibility of incorporating intermodal container transloading to fill the vacuum left behind by the closing of Global III”.
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