Union Pacific Will Resume Freight Rail Through Gutted Building’s Collapse Zone

['Garrett Andrews', 'Gandrews Wweek.Com', 'Garrett Andrews Is Ww S General Assignment Reporter. Over Two Decades As A Journalist', 'He S Covered A Hodgepodge Of Content Areas Crime In Bend', 'The Roseburg Art Scene', 'Oregon S Construction Industry', 'Among Others. He S An Adjunct Professor Of Political Science At Portland Community College Where He Teaches Courses On American Government. Go Cougs.', 'August'] Willamette Week 2026-08-10 00:00:00

Union Pacific Railroad intends to restart freight operations near the heavily damaged Centennial Mills building, which officials have warned could trigger the collapse of the building. But on Monday, city officials briefed reporters on Union Pacific’s plans to restart running trains on a narrow rail corridor that passes the now-hazardous eight-story structure. The city has limited authority to stop the trains, according to Portland City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III. “What we would tell Union Pacific is…be a partner with us. Along with BNSF, Union Pacific is one of two railroads that use the corridor near the building for freight rail.