UP invests $43 million in its rail infrastructure in Idaho

Union Pacific plans to invest about $43 million in 2015 to improve its rail infrastructure in Idaho. The railroad says this investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

 The railroad’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives: nearly $42 million to maintain railroad track, $118,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly $900,000 to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

Key projects planned this year include $27.6 million investment in the rail line between DeWoff and Reverse to replace 213,171 crossties, install 146,714 tons of ballast and crews will repair the surfaces at 104 road crossings; $3.5 million investment in the rail line between Harer and Pescadero to replace 24,915 crossties and install 16,418 tons of ballast.

This year’s planned $43 million capital expenditure in Idaho is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014, Union Pacific invested more than $252 million strengthening Idaho’s transportation infrastructure.