Union Pacific to spend $137 million in California to maintain track systems

Union Pacific plans to invest about $137 million in 2015 to improve its transportation infrastructure in California. The railroad says its 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: nearly $117 million to maintain railroad track, $9 million to enhance signal systems and $11 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

Key projects planned this year include a $24-million investment in the rail line between Butte and Plumas counties to replace nearly 37 miles of rail; an $8-million investment in the rail line between East Mojave and Wash to replace 51,339 crossties, install 22,770 tons of ballast and repair the surfaces at 18 road crossings.

This year’s planned $137 million capital expenditure in California is part of an ongoing investment strategy for the railroad. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than $1.6 billion strengthening California’s transportation infrastructure.