Union Pacific plans $79 million investment in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Union Pacific has outlined details of its capital investment program in Minnesota, Colorado and Iowa with a planned $79 million investment in the three states.

 

The railroad says its $27 million in planned improvements in Minnesota covers a range of initiatives, but the majority of the plan, $26 million will be used to maintain track. The railroad will also invest $231,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly $475,000 to maintain or replace bridges.

The railroad also has key project planned this year in the state that include $7 million to be spent in three rail yards in the South St. Paul area to replace 19,000 ties, install 6,500 tons of ballast and replace two switches and $5.3 million for the rail line between Worthington and Minnesota/Iowa border to replace 34,800 railroad ties and install 11,000 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 24 road crossings.

Union Pacific will spend $20.5 million in the rail line between Dotsero and near Palisade, Colo., to replace 141,300 ties, install 53,000 tons of ballast and replace more than three miles of rail in various curves. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 40 road crossings. UP previously announced $41 million will be spent to improve the state’s infrastructure with $34 million committed to maintain track, $860,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly $6 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

In Iowa, UP will invest $31.5 million in the rail line between Nevada and near Mason City to replace more than 57 miles of rail, repair the surfaces at 67 crossings and replace 16 switches.

The railroad previously announced plans to perform $105 million in track maintenance; $1.5 million in signal systems enhancement and $2.8 million for bridge work in the state.

The $79 million in work among the three states is part of UP’s planned $4.2 billion total capital investment plan for 2015.

In addition to Iowa, Colorado and Minnesota, Union Pacific has also detailed state investment plans for Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri and Illinois.

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