Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) Project Profile

The Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) is an 85-mile freight rail infrastructure project in Utah designed to connect the region’s rich oil and gas reserves with the national rail network. This profile details the technical specifications, construction partners, and strategic importance of the new line, which is currently under construction following its 2021 approval by the Surface Transportation Board. It represents a significant engineering undertaking involving extensive tunneling and route optimization to navigate the challenging terrain between the Uinta Basin and the existing Union Pacific mainline.

Technical Specifications

The UBR’s selected route, the Whitmore Park alternative, was chosen to minimize environmental disturbances across the rugged terrain. The 85-mile alignment will be a single-track, non-electrified line featuring continuously welded steel rail on a mix of steel, timber, or concrete ties. The track structure is designed for heavy-haul freight, built upon a foundation of approximately 12 inches of subballast and 8 inches of main ballast sourced from UDOT-certified quarries. The railbed width ranges from 10 to 20 feet from the centerline to accommodate the demands of unit train operations.

A significant engineering challenge is the topography, which necessitates the construction of several major tunnels. The design and construction of these tunnels are managed by Obayashi Corporation, a specialist in complex tunneling projects. The remainder of the line’s final design was led by Aecom, with a joint venture of Skanska and WW Clyde responsible for the primary construction activities. The project also includes the development of temporary and permanent access roads required for construction logistics and long-term maintenance of the line, its sidings, and tunnel portals.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Economic Enabler: The primary function of the UBR is to provide a reliable, high-capacity transportation solution for crude oil and other commodities from the landlocked Uinta Basin, integrating the region directly into national and international markets.
• Complex Engineering Solution: The project overcomes significant geographical challenges through extensive tunneling and a carefully selected route, demonstrating a modern approach to balancing infrastructure development with environmental mitigation.
• Robust Public-Private Partnership: The project’s financing and execution model involves a collaboration between the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, private financing from Drexel Hamilton Infrastructure Partners, and a team of globally recognized engineering and construction firms, ensuring a diverse blend of funding and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Uinta Basin Railway open?

The Uinta Basin Railway is currently under construction. With an estimated construction timeline of 20 to 28 months from commencement, the project is anticipated to become operational between late 2026 and mid-2027, pending any unforeseen delays.

Who is building the Uinta Basin Railway?

The construction of the Uinta Basin Railway is a collaborative effort led by several key contractors. A joint venture between Skanska and WW Clyde is managing the primary railway construction, while the Obayashi Corporation is responsible for the specialized design and construction of the line’s tunnels. Aecom led the final design, with Rio Grande Pacific designated to handle future operations and maintenance.