(Union Pacific issued the following on May 20.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Railroad to Invest Nearly $17 Million on Track Maintenance between Bloom, Kansas and Stratford, Texas
Omaha, Neb., May 20, 2008 – In order to enhance our customer service and improve our presence in the community, Union Pacific Railroad is investing $16.8 million this year on track improvements between Bloom, Kan., and Stratford, Texas.
When the project is complete, crews will have removed and installed 122,000 ties, spread 98,000 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed and replaced road surfaces at 144 crossings. Work will begin on these projects May 23 and is scheduled to be completed by late August.
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.