UP invests $20 million in Kansas’ infrastructure; begins double track project in Texas

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Union Pacific will strengthen Kansas' transportation infrastructure by investing $20 million in the rail line between Topeka and Kansas City, Kan. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began June 16 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

 

The railroad will replace 66,700 crossties, install 42,700 tons of ballast, crews will renew the surfaces at 116 road crossings, replace nearly one mile of rail in various curves, install more than 11 miles of new rail and change 13 switches. The project is one of nearly 1,500 Union Pacific will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.

Additionally, UP has begun construction on a multi-million dollar project that will extend a second rail line through Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City, Texas, as part of an overall plan to improve train operating efficiency.

Six new track miles are being installed from Ulrich Street to Gessner Road in Missouri City. The first construction phase will involve preparation activities inside UP’s existing right-of-way, requiring temporary railroad crossing closures. The second construction phase, slated to begin in 2015, will be the track installation. This phase also will require temporary crossing closures.

“This project is an indication of growth and economic development,” said Brenda Mainwaring, UP vice president public affairs, Southern Region. “This capacity expansion project will allow us to serve our customers more effectively and should have a positive impact on the community by improving our operating efficiency.”

 

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