UP plans $8 million for trackwork in Iowa

Union Pacific will strengthen Iowa's transportation infrastructure by investing $8 million in the rail line between Lowden and near Blairstown.

The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began on September 18 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

The railroad will install nearly 52,000 crossties, replace a total of one mile of rail in various curves and renew the surfaces at 71 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.

“Union Pacific helps link businesses with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world,” said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president public affairs, Northern Region. “In addition to helping move customers’ goods more safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and promoting economic expansion.”