Union Pacific plans $25.8M investment in Washington state, New Mexico

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Union Pacific plans to invest $25.8 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructures in Washington state and New Mexico, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

 

UP’s planned investment in Washignton totals $14.3 million and covers a range of initiatives including $13.6 million to maintain railroad track and $741,000 to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include an almost $10-million investment in the rail line along the Ayer Subdivision north of Wallula to replace almost 19 miles of rail and a $475,000 investment in the rail line in Spokane to replace almost one mile of curve rail.

This year’s planned capital expenditure in Washington is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015, Union Pacific invested more than $31 million strengthening Washington’s transportation infrastructure.

UP’s $11.5-million investment in New Mexico covers a range of initiatives including $11 million to maintain railroad track and $196,000 to maintain bridges in the state.

One key project is it’s $4-million investment in the rail line between Lordsburg and the Grant-Luna county line to replace 22,091 ties and install 7,791 tons of ballast.

This year’s planned $11.5 million capital expenditure in New Mexico is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015, UP invested more than $538 million strengthening New Mexico’s transportation infrastructure.

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.75 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $33 billion from 2006-2015. These investments contributed to a 25 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

 

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