(Source: Union Pacific press release, September 18, 2014)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Kansas’ transportation infrastructure by investing $18 million in the rail line between Paola and Parsons, Kansas. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific without taxpayer dollars, began September 16 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.
The railroad will replace 77,000 railroad ties, install 39,200 tons of rock ballast and renew the surfaces at 118 road crossings. Crews will also replace nearly 12 miles of rail in various locations between Paola and Parsons. 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.