The governor of neighboring Sonora has proposed moving a major rail line out of downtown Nogales, Mexico.
And now, diplomatic work is underway with U.S. officials to ensure permits are granted to allow for a new rail connection, according to a release from the Sonoran government.
Gov. Alfonso Durazo and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador were in Nogales recently to discuss this and other issues with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and other high ranking Mexican officials.
Roughly two trains cross the border north into the United States daily on the line, which runs through Nogales’ bustling center, where many complain it represents a danger to locals.
Asked about Durazo’s proposal, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, which owns the rail line north of the border in Nogales, Arizona, said that the company “appreciate(s) the discussion, but Union Pacific has no plans on its own to move the track.”
