Union Pacific plans $78M in work for Illinois infrastructure

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Union Pacific has slated $78.8 million of its 2016 capital program to improve its Illinois rail network.

 

UP said its multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency, in addition to sustaining jobs and meeting growing demand for products used in the American economy.

The Class 1’s Illinois program includes $73.8 million to maintain track and $4.8 million to maintain bridges. Union Pacific’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $73.8 million to maintain railroad track and $4.8 million to maintain bridges in the state. UP’s investment will advance key projects in Illinois including:

  • $8.2 million to replace more than 60,000 crossties and install 27,000 tons of ballast in the rail line between East St. Louis and Chester
  • $7.6 million to replace nearly 56,000 crossties and install 21,300 tons of ballast between Findlay and Hillsboro.
  • $6.6 million to replace 13 miles of rail between Mt. Vernon and Whittington

 

This year’s planned $78.8 million capital expenditure in Illinois is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $314 million strengthening Illinois’ 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,” 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.”

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.675 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $33 billion from 2006-2015.

The railroad has also outlined it plans for California, Texas and Arkansas within the past few weeks.

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