UP plans $49M in work for Colorado, Illinois properties

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Union Pacific plans to invest $49 million to improve transportation infrastructure in Colorado and Illinois.

 

UP will invest $41 million in Colorado, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. UP’s investment covers a range of initiatives including $34 million to maintain railroad track, $860,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly $6 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

Key projects planned this year include a $20.5-million investment in the rail line between Dotsero and near Palisade to replace 141,300 ties, install 53,000 tons of ballast, replace more than three miles of rail in various curves and crews will repair the surfaces at 40 road crossingsand a $2.7-million investment in the rail line between Denver and near Phippsburg to replace more than four miles of rail in various curves.

“We constantly evaluate our customers’ needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president public affairs, Northern Region. “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific’s unwavering safety commitment.”

UP will invest $8 million in the rail line between Elburn and East Clinton, Ill. The project began April 5 and is scheduled to be completed in August. The railroad will replace 71,650 concrete crossties in various locations and install 21,800 tons of ballast.

Yesterday, UP said it is planning $109 million in work on its Iowa property. Last week, UP announced plans to invest $119 million to improve Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.

The railroad plans to invest $4.2 billion dollars in its network this year, which is down $100-million from it original estimates released in February 2015. However, the 2015 number represents an increase over its $3.9-billion 2014 spend.

 

 

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