(The following story by Klark Byrd appeared on the Sun Telegraph website on July 1, 2009.)
SIDNEY, Neb. — Thanks to an update to the Union Pacific tracks, motorists may end up waiting less time then they currently do for trains to pass. According to the UP, trains will run more efficiently as a result of nearly $12 million in track improvements made to its Big Springs-to-Potter line.
“When the project is complete, crews will have removed and installed more than 90,000 ties, spread nearly 29,000 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed and renewed road surfaces at 50 crossings,” a press release from the company said.
The company said it expects the newer infrastructure to reduce wait times at crossings because trains will be able to move more efficiently along the track.
Work on the line began June 24, and is scheduled to be completed by mid-August. The UP invested more than $254 million for capital projects in Nebraska in 2008.
During 2009, the company said it plans to invest $1.7 billion in strengthening the track infrastructure across its more than 32,000-mile system.
“This extensive investment in the railroad’s track helps ensure Union Pacific has the capability to offer quality, safe and cost-effective service to meet its customers’ current and future transportation needs,” the company said.
The Union Pacific Railroad links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country.