Union Pacific Railroad plans to invest $4.2 billion capital dollars in its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38% decrease in derailments over the last year, the railroad said.
Investments include nearly $41 million to improve Colorado’s transportation infrastructure, covering a range of initiatives that include $34 million to maintain track, $860,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly $6 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.
Key projects planned this year in Colorado include a $20.5 million investment in the rail line between Dotsero and Palisade to replace 141,300 railroad ties, install 53,000 tons of rock ballast and replace more than three miles of rail in various curves. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 40 road crossings. A $2.7 million investment is also planned for the rail line between Denver and Phippsburg to replace more than four miles of rail in various curves.
This year’s planned capital expenditure in Colorado is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014, UP invested more than $292 million strengthening Colorado’s transportation infrastructure.
UP is also investing nearly $8 million in the rail line between Elburn and East Clinton in Illinois. The project began April 5 and is scheduled to be completed by this August.
The project, which consists of replacing 71,650 concrete railroad ties in various locations and installing 21,800 tons of rock ballast, is one of nearly 1,500 that UP will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.
“Union Pacific helps businesses connect with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world,” said Donna Kush, UP Vice President of Public Affairs, Northern Region. “In addition to helping move our customers’ goods safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and promoting economic expansion.”
The railroad plans to invest $119 million in 2015 to improve Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. The planned investment covers a range of initiatives, including nearly $105 million to maintain railroad track, $5 million to enhance signal systems and $9 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.
In addition, UP plans to invest more than $109 million in its Iowa rail infrastructure. The investment will include $105 million to maintain railroad track, $1.5 million to enhance signal systems and $2. 8 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.
Key projects include an $18.3 million investment in the rail line between Bradford and near Mason City to replace more than 34 miles of rail, repair the surfaces at 37 road crossings and replace seven switches; a $13.3 million investment in the rail line between Garden City and Grant to replace nearly 23 miles of rail, repair the surfaces at 30 road crossings and replace nine switches; and a $12 million investment in the rail line between Ames and near Belle Plaine to replace 83,300 railroad ties and install 25,100 tons of rock ballast. Crews will also repair the surfaces at 67 road crossings.
This year's planned more-than-$109 million capital expenditure in Iowa is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested $359 million strengthening Iowa's transportation infrastructure.
"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," Kush said. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."