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 / Modified jul 28, 2017 2:56 p.m.

Episode 326: Past and Present of Railroads in Arizona

Also, a look back at an eventful week in politics, which saw the return of Sen. John McCain following his cancer diagnosis.
by Lorraine Rivera

One section of Interstate 10 in Pima County offers a spectacular view: Hundreds of locomotives parked alongside one another.

The more than 300 engines on three miles of track along the southeastern edge of Pima County, between Marsh Station and Empirita roads, offer onlookers a unique sight. They receive every six months to keep them ready for service when needed.

Arizona Public Media visited the site as part of a look at the rail system in Arizona. The state has 700 miles of track and a history that dates back to 1880. More than 50 trains pass through Southern Arizona every day, and Tucson is the state’s principal terminal.

We pay a visit to Tucson’s Historic Train Depot and take a look at the history of the Union Pacific Railroad, a company that employs 1,000 people in the state. This week the company announced plans to team up with an international carrier based in japan in a larger effort to grow its international business.

We’ll also review the eventful week in politics, which saw the return to Washington, D.C., of Sen. John McCain, just in time for a controversial health care vote on the floor of the Senate and shortly after being diagnosed with and aggressive form of brain cancer.

On the program

  • Jeff Degraff, Union Pacific spokesman
  • Ken Karrels, Tucson Historic Train Depot
  • Randy Hill, former train conductor
MORE: Arizona 360 Episodes, News
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