(Union Pacific issued the following on May 5.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad is investing $7.9 million this year on track improvements between Kansas City, Kan. and Topeka.
The railroad is also investing $8.1 million this year on track improvements between the east approach to the McArthur Bridge to Fults, Ill.
When the Kansas project is complete, crews will have removed and installed 44,700 ties, spread 38,600 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed and replaced the road surfaces at 111 crossings. Work began on these projects May 1 and is scheduled to be completed by mid June.
When the Illinois project is complete, crews will have removed and installed 53,000 ties, spread 34,400 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed and replaced the road surfaces at 114 crossings. Work began on these projects May 1 and is scheduled to be completed by mid June.
These improvements are part of the $1.6 billion Union Pacific plans to invest in 2008 to maintain track across its more than 32,300-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 our customers’ current and future transportation needs. Following track improvement projects, communities benefit from smoother road crossing surfaces. Trains do not occupy crossings as long because they can operate more efficiently.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways.
Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.