Heavy Duty Maintenance Facility
Meeting the demands of modern rail maintenance
MxV Rail, a leading figure in the rail industry and a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, needed a facility to support the maintenance and research for diesel-electric locomotives and railcars. Located in the PuebloPlex complex in Pueblo, Colorado—a site that was once a U.S. Army ammunition depot—the new Heavy Duty Maintenance Facility (HDMF) represents a critical investment in rail safety and innovation. This facility supports MxV Rail’s ongoing work in research, testing, and safety standards, providing a state-of-the-art environment for maintenance and collaborative research.
After the successful completion of the Operations and Training Center, MxV Rail once again partnered with Treanor and contractor H.E. Whitlock to create the HDMF. This facility allows MxV Rail to efficiently meet the industry’s demands while revitalizing a historically significant site, blending past and future to strengthen the foundation of rail technology.
The expertise of the staff at [Treanor] made the experience quite easy as the [Treanor] leads on the projects brought both technical expertise but also guidance to an owner team that had not gone through projects like this before.
MaryClara Jones, Executive Director Corporate Strategy & Technology, MxV Rail
Design solutions focused on functionality and flexibility
The Heavy Duty Maintenance Facility was designed with MxV Rail’s operational and research needs at the forefront. With an 8,700-square-foot footprint, the HDMF includes a maintenance bay with a 24-foot clear height, accommodating 190 feet of through track. This through track sits on a robust 19-inch cast-in-place concrete track bed with recessed tracks, trench drains, and exterior aprons, enabling the facility to handle heavy-duty rail vehicles and maintenance operations. The facility’s 12-inch reinforced concrete floor slab is specifically designed to withstand the demands of jacking 200-ton locomotives and supporting heavy forklifts.
A hub for rail research and maintenance
The Heavy Duty Maintenance Facility plays a vital role in MxV Rail’s mission to advance rail safety through research and maintenance. The facility’s strategic location within PuebloPlex, adjacent to the rail line, allows MxV Rail to integrate practical maintenance activities with cutting-edge research. With its robust structure and advanced equipment, the HDMF supports MxV Rail’s comprehensive maintenance program and serves as a hub for collaboration and innovation.
The HDMF was also designed to foster hands-on learning and collaboration. MxV Rail’s clients and partners benefit from direct access to the facility’s high-capacity maintenance bay and through track, which enables real-time testing and troubleshooting. This interactive approach not only enhances safety but also ensures that rail vehicles are maintained to the highest industry standards, reinforcing MxV Rail’s commitment to setting the bar in rail maintenance and safety.
Using a firm like [Treanor] also provided unparalleled value as the visual aspects of the renderings of the design were important to communicate the vision and plans to MxV Rail staff. The ability to give our employees a virtual walkthrough of the renovated building was remarkable and brought confidence to the employees that they would have a new home soon!
MaryClara Jones, Executive Director Corporate Strategy & Technology, MxV Rail
Dedicated to advancing rail safety and technology
By revitalizing a former military site, MxV Rail is not only preserving an important part of Pueblo’s industrial heritage, but it also paves the way for future innovation. This facility will support generations of researchers, engineers, and maintenance professionals who are committed to the safety and efficiency of our rail systems. Because the HDMF is built to adapt, MxV Rail can continue pushing the boundaries of rail technology while supporting the immediate needs of their industry partners.
Project contact
Related projects
