Union Pacific targets $70.4 million of work in Idaho, Oregon

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description

Union Pacific plans to invest $70.4 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Idaho and Oregon, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

 

Union Pacific’s planned investment in Idaho covers a range of initiatives including $34.9 million to maintain railroad track and $883,000 to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include a $3.3-million investment in the rail line in Pocatello to replace 27,704 ties; a $8.2-million investment in the rail line between Mountain Home and Boise to replace 60,510 ties and a $4.2-million investment in the rail line along the Pocatello Subdivision and within the Pocatello Yard to replace three miles of rail and 24,000 ties.

This year’s planned $35.8-million capital expenditure in Idaho is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015, Union Pacific invested more than $135 million strengthening Idaho’s transportation infrastructure.

Union Pacific’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives includes $28.5 million to maintain railroad track and $3.8 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include a $4.5-million investment in the rail line between Chemult and Oakridge to replace 33,372 ties; a $3.6-million investment in the rail line between Bridal Veil and Hood River to replace 28,342 ties and a $3.2-million investment in the rail line between Stanfield and La Grande to replace almost four miles of curve rail.

This year’s planned $34.6-million capital expenditure in Oregon is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $193 million strengthening Oregon’s transportation infrastructure.

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

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 past 10 years.

 

 

Tags: