Union Pacific Resumes Service Near Compromised Centennial Mills Amid Safety Concerns
Despite warnings from Portland city officials about the risk of collapse due to a recent fire, Union Pacific has resumed freight train service next to the structurally compromised Centennial Mills warehouse. The city has expressed concern that train vibrations could…
Portland, OR, August 9, 2026 —
PORTLAND, OR – Union Pacific has resumed freight train service adjacent to the Centennial Mills warehouse, a structure that Portland city officials have deemed at risk of collapse following a recent fire. The decision comes despite explicit warnings from city authorities regarding the potential dangers posed by the compromised building.
City officials have voiced significant concerns that vibrations from the passing freight trains could destabilize the already weakened warehouse, leading to its collapse. Such an event could pose a serious risk to individuals on the trains. The Centennial Mills warehouse has been structurally compromised by a recent fire, exacerbating existing concerns about its integrity.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, asbestos has been detected within the debris surrounding the warehouse. This discovery has necessitated temporary closures of nearby areas to mitigate potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The presence of asbestos complicates any demolition or remediation efforts planned for the site.
In response to the ongoing safety issues and the deteriorating condition of the property, the city has established a deadline for the property owner to commence demolition of the Centennial Mills warehouse. The specific date for this deadline was not provided.
The resumption of train service by Union Pacific, despite the city’s warnings, highlights a tension between operational needs and public safety concerns. Further details regarding the exact timeline for the demolition deadline and the specific measures being taken to ensure safety were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Julia Lopez on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
