(Source: Union Pacific Railroad press release, June 5, 2013)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Illinois’ and Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing more than $20 million in the rail line between Chester and near Scott City, Mo. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific without taxpayer dollars, began May 31 and is scheduled to be completed by early November.
The railroad will replace 39,400 railroad ties, install 11,100 tons of rock ballast, replace a half mile of rail in various curves and install nearly 23 miles of new rail. In addition, crews will renew the surfaces at 62 road 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.