Union Pacific Railroad Invests Nearly $10.5 Million for Track Improvements to Its Central Iowa Line
Omaha, Neb., September 26, 2011 – Union Pacific Railroad will continue improving the transportation infrastructure in Iowa by investing nearly $10.5 million in the rail line that runs from Des Moines to Iowa Falls. Various projects over the almost 65 miles of the line include removing and installing 52,500 ties, replacing more than two miles of rail in various curves, as well as renewing the surfaces at 91 road crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 22,000 tons of rock ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and weld together the sections of rail – providing a smoother ride for trains.
Most of these projects began in August and are scheduled to be completed by early December.
Union Pacific plans to invest approximately $3.3 billion in capital during 2011, which supports America's current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the railroad's 32,000-mile network. These investment projects are examples of Union Pacific's continuing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and support its customers through strategic investments.
According to the Association of American Railroads, America's largest railroads keep pace with the top nine states in terms of highway spending, and they do it with private, not taxpayer, money. In 2010, capital spending by Class I railroads totaled $9.8 billion, and the industry plans to make $12 billion in capital spending during 2011. All told, freight rail companies have invested $480 billion to maintain and modernize the national rail network since 1980.
Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, and, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico.
Media Contact: Mark Davis, 402-544-5459 or mwdavis@up.com
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