This year, Union Pacific (UP) will invest approximately $77.1 million in its infrastructure in Oregon, including $44.7 million to maintain railroad track and $3.2 million to maintain bridges. The projects are being funded by UP without taxpayer funds.
Key projects planned this year include a $9.3 million investment in the rail line between Klamath Falls and Chemult to replace 21 miles of rail and a $12.1 million investment in the rail line between Huntington, Ore., and Caldwell, Idaho, to replace 87,978 railroad ties. UP also plans a $14.3 million investment in the rail line between Oakridge and Portland to replace 102,683 railroad ties.
"Union Pacific's targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across Oregon," 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."
The planned $77.1 million capital expenditure in Oregon this year is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, UP invested more than $305 million to strengthen the region's transportation infrastructure.