(Source: Union Pacific Railroad press release, April 30, 2014)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Minnesota’s and Iowa’s transportation infrastructures by investing $17.5 million in the rail line between Butterfield, Minn., and near Mason City, Iowa. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific without taxpayer dollars, began April 8 and is scheduled to be completed by mid- July.
The railroad will replace 119,300 railroad ties and install 50,775 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will renew the surfaces at 168 road crossings. The project is one of nearly 1,500 Union Pacific will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.