Union Pacific to put $51.5 million in Wyoming infrastructure

Union Pacific's week of infrastructure reveals continues with plans to perform $51.5 million in work on the railroad's Wyoming infrastructure.

 In the past week, Union Pacific has revealed $449 million worth of work to take place in Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Union Pacific says these private investments will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

Union Pacific's planned Wyoming investment covers a range of initiatives: nearly $48 million to maintain railroad track, more than $3 million to enhance signal systems and nearly $700,000 to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

• $9.7 million investment in the rail line between Laramie and Walcott to replace 74,000 railroad ties and install 23,000 tons of ballast. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings.
  
• $6.9 million investment in the rail line between Cheyenne and Egbert to replace 45,200 railroad ties and install 19,500 tons of ballast. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.
  
• $5.2 million investment in the rail line between Cokeville and Kemmerer to replace 37,300 railroad ties and install 40,500 tons of ballast.
  

This year's planned $51.5 million capital expenditure in Wyoming is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested $430 million strengthening Wyoming's transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.