Massive BSNF Rail Hub UPDATE key snag in its approval process

SCHOA Keeping Sun City Informed: Next Steps for Review of Massive Rail Hub
E-notice, July 17, 2025

• About the Proposed Project: BNSF Railway operates the railroad tracks that run through Sun City on Grand Avenue. The company purchased about 800 acres of land in 2004 in Wittmann, an unincorporated community in Maricopa County located just off of Grand Ave./US 60 northwest of Sun City.

Since, they have acquired 3,500 more adjacent acres of land to build what would reportedly become the hub the largest in the nation.

As an 'intermodal' station, it would facilitate the transfer of commerce between trains and semi-trucks which would use local roadways/highways in addition to the railway routes to and from the region.

The Sun City Home Owners Association (SCHOA) Board of Directors has voted to oppose the construction of the new rail hub.

As your advocate, we feel it's important that we share information about this project with our members to empower and inform you.

• Step One: Comprehensive Plan
➡️.Read ALL HERE.

❗️Update
BNSF rail hub faces setback, opposition grows in the West Valley

By Nicole Krause, published September 1, 2025 5:15pm MSTMaricopa CountyFOX 10 Phoenix

The Brief
A proposed multi-billion-dollar BNSF rail hub in Wittmann is facing strong opposition from West Valley residents, who are concerned about long-term impacts on health, air quality, and property values.

The project has hit a snag in its approval process, with a key vote by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors possibly delayed after the company reportedly missed a zoning application deadline.

The project, which has faced significant local opposition, is reportedly hitting a key snag in its approval process.

MORE: read or view full story: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/bnsf-rail-hub-faces-setback-opposition-grows-west-valley

 

It doesn't mention the 4 billion in wages every year. The 258 million in local taxes. That rail is the most environmentally friendly form of cargo transport. The hub will reduce truck traffic, since more will be transported by rail, which will result in lower emissions.

I've heard, but not sure of, that Surprise is thinking annexation.

 

Actually, it will create more truck traffic. Intermodal will be bringing in hundreds of 40’ containers on flatbeds and being delivered to final destination or vice versa. Huge amount of truck traffic will be generated.

 

While I agree with you that truck traffic will increase with the larger BNSF operation is there any credible data that details how much traffic will actually use Grand Avenue through Sun City instead of the loop 303 and other routes?

 

Estimated traffic amounts
Traffic concerns for impacted communities include increased congestion due to the projected additional 7,200+ vehicles per day by end of 2028 and 22,000+ vehicles per day by year 2038 in a facility operating on a 24/7 basis

 

BNSF FAQ's
BNSF has published its own page featuring the project FAQ's

Main page https://bnsflpp.com/

FAQs https://bnsflpp.com/faqs/
There you will find traffic answers and more;

• How does the project benefit traffic?
• What traffic improvements are BNSF making?
• Where are the access points located for the Logistics Park Phoenix?
• How many trucks will be using 211th Avenue?

 

I find myself conflicted by the discussion. Mt dad was an engineer on the Burlington Northern (Northern Pacific back in the day) and i occasionally road the rail with him in the engine to his turnaround (in Staples MN). My guess is that might be frowned on these days.

Anyway, that's not the reason for being conflicted. I have no interest in making this discussion political, but the politics of this country brings me to the brink of questioning; are we even a serious country when it comes to serious weather events (some call it climate control, but lets keep the politics out of it). There is zero question whether serious weather events are increasing in number or strength. Zero.

We just saw a bill passed in congress, the house and the president signed that fairly well ignores the challenges we face across the country. Like green energy or not, every country serious (yes even/especially China) is taking steps to address the challenges we are facing. We decided to kill virtually every aspect of alternative forms of energy development and are dedicating the bulk of resources from this bill back to oil subsidies (more tax relief for an industry that feeds off of the federal government and makes billions of dollars annually). Another topic i have no interest in debating the pros and cons.

While my golf car is electric, i don't have an electric car and in all likelihood, never will. I have solar panels on my roof, because i know it has saved me money. I'm not a wild fanatic of green energy nor am i interested in bashing an industry i rely on to keep our car going. And; last but not least, we are old and not having kids or grand children i have no sense or fear what i am leaving them will be an ugly mess. Sorry for those of you who do.

I do know, our insurance rates are sky-rocketing because of the increasing number of severe weather events and i do know the bill that was just passed will compound them several fold. Knowing that makes me a tiny bit skeptical of whether the impact on having this massive rail hub will make even a tiny bit of difference in the grand scheme of things? I simply don't know other than traffic will get worse (not so much for Sun City, more SCW and the Grand).

I guess the good news is i am open to listening to the logical explanations for being pro or con and then deciding. It's just right now, on a scale of 1-10 the priority for me isn't as high as others.

 

Bill, I believe I mentioned this before, Dad worked for the railroad for 42 years and was 10th on seniority!

EL, Dad worked nights his entire career because it paid more. Because of this my brothers and I rarely saw him except on his days off which changed almost weekly. In spite of that he provided for us, especially for my youngest brother who was special needs. He taught us at a young age that donating food to the needy, public service of any type and donating money to favorite charities were actions to do for the rest of your life. He also said that if we didn’t do this he would come back from the grave to straighten us out. I also learned at a young age that you do not f**k with a WWII Purple Heart Marine. This is why I started volunteering for committees and served on the Board of Directors and continue to serve that conform to my skill set. Just covering the bases Dad.

To your point Emily, to see the line on Saturday at the food bank at the old Wells Fargo building consisting of seniors, young mothers and others waiting for basic necessities, The richest country 9n the face of the earth and we can’t even feed our own or provide shelter so Larry Ellison can buy another island In Hawaii or Jeff Bezos can hold a divorce party in the French Alps for 200 of his closest hangers on or cutting funding to PBS because Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Grover and The Count are in cahoots to steal the 2026 midterms with Daniel Tiger for the Democrats. Ken Burns documentaries are somehow communist socialist propaganda.

Am I angry, yes, because this is not me and it is not us as a nation. We are being led over the cliff by an Orange Gasbag who perpetually lies and doesn’t know anything other than where is the nearest golf course and what could be his latest money con for his benefit. I have said this many times with some people agreeing with me, others tell me it’s not true, but if you wonder what living in 1930’s Germany was like, you are living it now. The diehard MAGA supporters are the Brown Shirts, the DOJ Attorney General & FBI are the Gestapo and ICE is the SS. It can’t happen here but you are seeing it.

 

Annnnnnnnddddd he is back!

 

To your point Dave, maybe you should stand outside of the Olive Branch Senior Center and check the cars people own, and how they are dressed, to go inside for free groceries. They drive Mercedes, Caddys, Tesla's, etc and yes they are new, not 30 year old models. This is happening right in our community. and yes I have seen it with my own eyes. Bezos will Bezos no matter how you think or feel, but if you are sincerely that outraged maybe start fixing the problem that exists right here in our backyard.

 

So have you personally seen this or you heard it third hand? I believe the latter as you seem to stay home a lot because of bad feet, bad back, bad knees, bad attitude, bad dog, etc.

So what happened to your move to Peoria? Financing fall through, couldn’t sell your current residence or it was all an illusion to be polite? You made it sound like a done deal and ready to hop into the truck for the final ride out of town yet here we are.

 

Either there is an issue with comprehension or reading, not sure. Quote from my post: "This is happening right in our community. and yes I have seen it with my own eyes."

The rest of your post is absolutely none of your business. HAGD.

You do understand that anyone can post here even if they don't live in Sun City? A person does not have to provide proof of residency to join.

 

We have been led off the cliff for many years from both Republicans and Democrats.

This country didn't get to where its at because of Orange Man. It's been corrupt for a very long time.

I'm not going to get into it with you but just go see what's now coming out from the DNI that goes back to Obama, Comey, Brennan, Clapper and Rice, then tell me again how it's all Orange Man's fault!

 

Hello, I looked at their plan you attached. On the surface it looks positive for the growing area and our future, however does anyone know how many more trains would be rolling through Sun City after it is built and operating? That is what concerns me most since I live close to the RR tracks. If we end up having non stop train traffic that is going to be awful in terms of noise and traffic buildup caused by heavy train traffic. Will most of the trains be traveling in another direction? I would really like to know the answer to that question.

 

Eileen, as you know, SCHOA is opposing.
Perhaps they have access to more information to answer your valid questions. If they do, please share on TOSC.
SCHOA
10401 W. Coggins Drive | Sun City, Arizona 85351
623.974.4718
https://suncityhoa.org/home/
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday - 9:00am - 3:00pm | Friday - 9:00am - Noon

 

The sad truth is, the expansion of the BNSF facility means jobs and tax dollars for Arizona and Maricopa county. It probably also means the pockets of the politicians will also be padded which almost guarantees it will become a reality?

Just my opinion!

 

Well said Eileen, and clearly a question that needs to be answered. Noise pollution is often overlooked, especially when we talk about severe weather events.

Like I said earlier, no interest in making this a political debate. The reality is people in this country will die no matter who is in the White House when tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes or fires hit us. The real questions can and will be answered at the end of each year as the data reveals just how bad the past year was.

That and what happens when we open our latest insurance premiums and the increase due.

 

I don't think it will be built with only the current infrastructure. I can see ramps over Grand at 103 and 107. More roads and rail added.

The only thing between me and the tracks is Royal Oaks. I still have to look at the greater good and not how it may affect me.

 

What about 99th?

 

Oops I missed that one.