Union Pacific (UP) will invest approximately $85 million in its infrastructure in the state of Illinois this year, with $70 million to maintain railroad track and $10 million to maintain bridges. The investment is funded by UP, without taxpayer funds.
Key projects include a $6 million investment in the rail line between Elburn and Fulton to replace 16 miles of rail, as well as a $7 million investment in the rail line between East St. Louis and Chester to replace 59,594 railroad ties and install 27,497 tons of rock ballast.
"Union Pacific's targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across Illinois," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president public affairs, northern region. "Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state."
The $85 million capital expenditure is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, UP invested more than $566 million to strengthen Illinois' transportation infrastructure.