Union Pacific targets $70-million in Kansas infrastructure improvements

Union Pacific

Union Pacific plans to spend $70.9-million on its Kansas infrastructure in 2016 as part of its $3.675 billion capital program for the year.

The Kansas improvements follow other state plans that include spending an anticipated $513 million in Texas, $121 million in California, $83 million in Arkansas, $78.6 million in Nebraska and $78 million in Illinois.

Union Pacifc‘s planned Kansas improvements will focus on track maintenance ($65 million) and bridge maintenance ($5.7 million). Other projects slated to advance this year in the state include a $9.2 million investment in the between Kansas City, Leavenworth and Hiawatha to replace more than 67,000 crossties and install 44,080 tons of ballast and a $6.1 million investment in the rail line between Atchison and Huron to replace 12 miles of rail.

This year’s planned $70.9 million capital expenditure in Kansas is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $262 million strengthening Kansas’ transportation infrastructure.

“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.”