GRANTSVILLE, Utah — More than three years after the project began seeking regulatory approval, and seven months after that approval was granted, construction has begun on the Savage Tooele Railroad, Utah’s first new railroad in decades.
The 11-mile short line will build five miles of new track and restore a 6-mile former Union Pacific branch to serve the Lakeview Business Park, a 1,700-acre logistics facility in Grantsville, southwest of Salt Lake City. Groundbreaking was held Thursday, Nov. 7.
“We’re excited to start the construction of the STR rail line, and to safely and responsibly build and operate this new shortline railroad in Tooele County,” Savage CEO Kirk Aubry said in a press release. “It’s not often that we get to witness or participate in the birth of a new railroad, in Utah or anywhere. We appreciate the support of federal, state and local officials, our customers and partners, and everyone involved with this project.”
The STB approved the Savage Tooele project in April [see “STB approves proposal …,” Trains News Wire, April 2, 2024]. That concluded a regulatory process that began with a Savage filing in September 2021, a refiling in June 2022 , and an STB determination that the project required board approval and an environmental assessment — which led to a 626-page report completed in September 2023. [see “Analysis: Regulatory overkill stunts potential …,” News Wire, Oct. 16, 2023]. The STB’s Office of Environmental Analysis ultimately determined the project would have no impact on the environment, provided that 62 migitation measures were required [see “Proposed Utah short line passes environmental review hurdle,” News Wire, March 4, 2024].
One of the partners in the business park development said the railroad would be a major asset for that project.
“The STR will significantly improve Lakeview Business Park’s connectivity and accessibility, strengthening its ability to support companies’ supply chain operations,” said Gus Gradinger, vice president, customer-led development at Prologis. “With the park fully entitled, modern logistics and manufacturing facilities can be developed and delivered fast for a wide range of businesses.”
The railroad will offer five-day-a-week service to the business park, located just 20 minutes from Union Pacific’s Salt Lake City intermodal terminal.
