Written by: Stuart Chirls, Senior Editor Union Pacific plans to spend $48.1 million in Utah this year to improve its infrastructure. The state spending plan is part of the Class 1's $3.1-billion 2017 capital program. The majority of the Utah spend, $40.3 million, will go toward maintaining track, while $4.2 million will to toward bridge maintenance. UP plans to spend $18.4 million to replace more than 146,000 crossties on the line between Wells, Nev., and Salt Lake City, Utah. Another crosstie project will take place on the rail line between Lynndyl and Tooele where the Class 1 will spend $6.8 million to replace 55,546 crossties. A final key project Union Pacific plans to advance in the state is a $2.6 million investment to replace more than four miles of curve rail between Ogden, Utah and Granger Wyo. "Union Pacific's targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across Utah," said Wes Lujan, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Western Region. "Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state." This year's planned $48.1 million capital expenditure in Utah adds to the more than $221 million the railroad has invested in the state between 2012 and 2016. Continue reading...
