(Source: Union Pacific press release, May 9, 2016)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific plans to invest $78.8 million in 2016 to improve Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. The company’s multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific’s private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the American economy.
Union Pacific’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $73.8 million to maintain railroad track and $4.8 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:
• $8.2 million investment in the rail line between East St. Louis and Chester to replace more than 60,000 railroad ties and install 27,000 tons of rock ballast.
• $7.6 million investment in the rail line between Findlay and Hillsboro to replace nearly 56,000 railroad ties and install 21,300 tons of rock ballast.
• $6.6 million investment in the rail line between Mt. Vernon and Whittington to replace 13 miles of rail.
This year’s planned $78.8 million capital expenditure in Illinois is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $314 million strengthening Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.
“We constantly evaluate our customers’ needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Northern Region. “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific’s unwavering safety commitment.”
Union Pacific plans to spend $3.675 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $33 billion from 2006-2015. These investments contributed to a 25 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.