(Source: Union Pacific press release, September 22, 2011)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will continue improving the transportation infrastructure in Colorado by investing more than $10 million in the rail line that runs from near the east portal of Moffat Tunnel to near Kremmling, Colo. Various projects over almost 70 miles of the line include removing and installing more than 55,600 ties, as well as renewing the surfaces at 51 road crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 33,600 tons of rock ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and replace more than 2 miles of rail in various curves.
The curve rail and crossing surface projects began at the end of June and the tie project began Sept. 15. All projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of December.
Union Pacific plans to invest approximately $3.3 billion in capital during 2011, which supports America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network. These investment projects are examples of Union Pacific’s continuing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and support its customers through strategic investments.
According to the Association of American Railroads, America’s largest railroads keep pace with the top nine states in terms of highway spending, and they do it with private, not taxpayer, money. In 2010, capital spending by Class I railroads totaled $9.8 billion, and the industry plans to make $12 billion in capital spending during 2011. All told, freight rail companies have invested $480 billion to maintain and modernize the national rail network since 1980.
Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, and, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads.