(Source: Union Pacific Railroad press release, September 26, 2013)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad 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 without taxpayer dollars, began on September 18 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
The railroad will install nearly 52,000 ties, replace a total of one mile of rail in various curves and renew the surfaces at 71 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.
Improved and additional freight rail capacity helps reduce highway congestion and contributes to a cleaner environment.