Union Pacific plans track, bridge upgrades in Louisiana

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Union Pacific plans to invest $58 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Louisiana. The multi-million dollar investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

 

Union Pacific’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives, such as $52 million to maintain track and $6 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include a $13 million investment in the rail line between Iowa and Sulphur to replace 29 miles of rail; a $6 million investment in the rail line between Dequincy and Kinder to replace 44,140 ties and install 22,144 tons of ballast and a $6 million investment in the rail line between Lawtell and Livonia to replace 42,525 ties and install 22,666 tons of ballast.

This year’s planned $58 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015, Union Pacific invested more than $619 million strengthening Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure.

UP has announced investment plans in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Arkansas, California and Texas this month as part of it’s 2016 plans to improve its lines across those states.

“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 Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president public affairs, Southern Region. “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific’s unwavering safety commitment.”

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