(The Associated Press circulated the following on May 10, 2010.)
CASPER, Wyo. ― Union Pacific has begun a $20 million project to install new rail and ties on a 26-mile stretch of railroad track between Manville and Lusk.
The Omaha, Neb.-based railroad is using a “track renewal train” to replace the rails and ties in one pass.
Company officials say the project includes installing more than 67,000 concrete ties and adding more than 86,000 tons of rock ballast to reinforce the roadbed. The work began last week and is expected to be completed in June.
Union Pacific officials say the company plans to spend more than $54 million in Wyoming on capital investment projects this year. Rail will account for $14.6 million, ties $24.4 million, ballast replacement $7 million and switches $2.6 million.
The company has about 880 miles of track and 1,260 employees in Wyoming.