Union Pacific will spend $78.6 million improving its infrastructure in Nebraska this year. The planned spend is on top of the $200 million the railroad invested in its infrastructure in the state between 2011 and 2015.
The majority of UP's Nebraska improvements, $71 million, will be spent to maintain track and another $7.5 million will be spent to maintain bridges. Key projects that the Class I will progress in the state with the investment include $10.5 million to undercut 62 miles of track between Fremont, Columbus and Silver Creek; $6.3 million to replace more than 35,000 crossties in the line between Sutherland, Oshkosh and Broadwater; and $5.9 million to undercut 35 miles of track between Overton, Lexington and Gothenburg.
UP plans to invest $3.68 billion across its 33,000-mile network this year (down about $550 million from 2015), following investments totaling approximately $33 billion between 2006 and 2015. The railroad said these investments contributed to a 25% decrease in derailments over the past 10 years.
"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific Vice President Public Affairs, Northern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."
UP has also outlined it plans for California, Texas, Illinois and Arkansas within the past few weeks.