Union Pacific plans $82 million in Louisiana and Missouri improvements

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor

Union Pacific will invest a combined $82 million in to projects in Louisiana and Missouri in 2015. These improvements are part of the railroad's $4.2 billion capital investment for the year.

 

UP’s $72-million Louisiana investment includes $67 million to maintain railroad track, $1 million to enhance signal systems and $2 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

In addition to the maintenance work listed above, the railroad will advance key projects in the state, which include $11 million for the rail line between Columbia and Pollock to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings and $8 million in the rail line between Fordoche and Morrow to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.

In Missouri, UP is performing $10 million worth of work in the rail line between St. Louis and near Washington. The railroad will replace 61,000 railroad ties, install 31,600 tons of ballast and replace nearly one mile of rail in various curves. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 49 road crossings.

“Union Pacific helps businesses connect with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world,” said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president – 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 had previously outlined plans to invest $66 million to improve Missouri’s transportation infrastructure in 2015, as well as $12 million to strengthen the rail line between Marshall and near Jefferson City.

Tags: