UP invests $20 million in Southern Illinois

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Union Pacific will strengthen Illinois' transportation infrastructure investing more than $20 million in the rail line between Chester and Illinois/Missouri border. The project began May 25 and is scheduled to be completed mid-October.

 

The railroad will replace 71,800 crossties, install 30,000 tons of ballast, replace nearly 15 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 43 grade crossings. 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.

The railroad plans to invest $119 million in 2015 to improve Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. The planned investment covers a range of initiatives: nearly $105 million to maintain railroad track, $5 million to enhance signal systems and $9 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

 

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