EL PASO, Texas — Fort Bliss, the 1,700-square-mile Army post in Texas and New Mexico, is undergoing an expansion of its rail capacity.
The El Paso Times reports that groundbreaking was held April 22 for construction of 4.3 additional miles of track at its rail yard, built to accommodate 565 railcars in 72 hours — a 40% increase in capacity.
Col. Brendan Gallagher, Fort Bliss Garrison commander, said the expansion will enhance the the facility’s ability to deploy forces: “Fort Bliss has a central role in mobilizing and demobilizing soldiers. Every year, we have about 45,000 to 50,000 mobilizing soldiers.”
The project is expected to take about two years, and will include a new connection to Union Pacific; new loading areas; extension and connection of current stub tracks; repair sheds and a storage yard; and additional structures.
The project is being funded through the National Defense Authorization Act. Some $74 million was allocated for the project in fiscal 2024; an additional $44 million was later earmarked to complete the project.
