(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on March 25, 2010.)
Union Pacific Railroad plans to spend $6 million to upgrade a line between Wichita and Caldwell, Kan.
To be completed by mid-August, the project calls for removing and installing more than 41,500 ties, spreading 33,500 tons of ballast and renewing roadway surfaces at 70 grade crossings.
In addition, UP expects to spend $5.7 million to upgrade track between Seattle and Fife, Wash. To be completed by mid-2010, the work includes the installation of more than 35,000 ties and 9,000 tons of ballast, and upgrades to 42 public crossings.
UP has budgeted $2.5 billion for capital improvements in 2010, including infrastructure upgrades.