Tempe to be reimbursed by Union Pacific over 2020 train derailment

The city of Tempe will be reimbursed by railroad company Union Pacific over a fiery train derailment on Tempe Town Lake in 2020.

Officials say the freight company will pay nearly half a million dollars, according to an agreement approved on Feb. 10 by the city council.

The $481,715 is meant to cover repairing damaged city property, incident response costs, traffic control, environmental testing and more.

Twelve railroad cars derailed after a train hit a bridge over Tempe Town Lake, causing it to collapse and sparking a massive fire.

Several cars carrying hazardous materials overturned, leaking chemicals into the area. 

The bridge has since been replaced, and it cost Union Pacific $11 million to make the repairs.

More Tempe news

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX 10 NEWS APP

Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news: