UP to invest $923.1m in rail infrastructure across five states

The Omaha, Neb.-based Class I railroad’s investment plans stemmed from its $3.1 billion capital plan for 2017, which was approved early in February.    Union Pacific Railroad (UP) has announced investment plans totaling $923.1 million across five states as part of its $3.1 billion capital plan for 2017.
   The capital plan was unveiled in February, and since then, the Omaha, Neb.-based Class I railroad said it would invest in Texas, California, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oregon.
   UP is investing $452 million in its Texas rail infrastructure, with $359 million going towards railroad track maintenance and $93 million dedicated to maintaining bridges. Key projects include $18 million to replace 42 miles of rail line between Mineola and Dallas, $19 million to replace 48 miles of rail line between Round Rock and San Antonio, and another $19 million to replace 166,919 rail ties and install 35,280 tons of rock ballast on the rail line between Dryden and Alpine.
   The railroad will invest $180 million in California, with $149.6 million going towards railroad track maintenance and $20.7 for bridge maintenance. Key projects include $12.5 million to replace 28 miles of rail line between Visalia and Delano, $7.9 million to replace 18 miles of rail line north of Winterhaven, and $9.1 million for the West Colton Bowl Track project. 
   UP will also invest $135 million in Arkansas, with $119 million going towards railroad track maintenance and $7 million for bridge maintenance. Key projects include $20 million to replace 47 miles of rail line between Rison and Camden, and $14 million to replace 61,005 railroad ties and install 16,838 tons of rock ballast between Little Rock and Benton.
   Meanwhile, UP will invest $79 million in Louisiana, with $58 million going towards railroad track maintenance and $18 million to maintain bridges. Key projects include $19 million to replace 149,125 railroad ties and to install 79,150 tons of rock ballast on the rail line between Alexandria and Shreveport, and $11 million to replace 90,659 railroad ties and to install 35,093 tons of rock ballast on the rail line between Alexandria and Iowa.
   The railroad will also invest $77.1 million in Oregon, with $44.7 million for railroad track maintenance and $3.2 million for bridge maintenance. Key projects include $9.3 million to replace 21 miles of rail between Klamath Falls and Chemult; and a combined $26.5 million to replace 87,978 railroad ties during a tie replacement project between Oregon and Idaho, and 102,683 railroad ties between Oakridge and Portland.
   All five state investment projects are part of UP’s 2017 capital plan to further implement “Positive Train Control” to promote safety and productivity, the railroad said.
   UP connects 23 states in the mid-west and western parts of the U.S. and supports agricultural products, automotive, chemical, coal, industrial products and intermodal transportation.