(Source: Union Pacific press release, May 6, 2016)
SPRING, Texas — Union Pacific plans to invest $83 million in 2016 to improve Arkansas’ 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 million to maintain railroad track and $9 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:
• $10 million investment in the rail line between Mulberry and Van Buren to replace 21 miles of rail.
• $10 million investment in the rail line between Brinkley and Pine Bluff to replace 73,237 railroad ties and install 49,140 tons of rock ballast.
• $9 million investment in the rail line between Pine Bluff and Grady to replace 18 miles of rail.
This year’s planned $83 million capital expenditure in Arkansas is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015, Union Pacific invested more than $753 million strengthening Arkansas’ 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 Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Southern Region. “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific’s unwavering safety commitment.”
Union Pacific plans to spend $3.75 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.