Union Pacific to Invest $79 Million in its Louisiana Rail Infrastructure

Union Pacific is boosting safety and efficiency with an approximately $79 million infrastructure investment in Louisiana this year.

Projects funded by Union Pacific benefit Louisiana’s overall transportation infrastructure without taxpayer funds.

Louisiana Rail Infrastructure

Union Pacific’s investment plan funds a range of initiatives: $58 million to maintain railroad track and $18 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$19 million investment in the rail line between Alexandria and Shreveport to replace 149,125 railroad ties and install 76,150 tons of rock ballast.
$11 million investment in the rail line between Alexandria and Iowa to replace 90,659 railroad ties and install 35,093 tons of rock ballast.

Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Southern Region, said:

“Union Pacific’s targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimise delays as trains travel through communities across Louisiana.”

“Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state.”

Union Pacific’s Investment Strategy

This year’s planned $79 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, Union Pacific invested more than $392 million strengthening Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure.

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.1 billion across its network this year. The company has invested $51 billion since 2000, contributing to a 40 percent decrease in derailments during the same time frame.

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION, NEWS, IMAGES, VIDEOS AND ARTICLES ON ALL ASPECTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.