Union Pacific to invest $85 million in Illinois

The Omaha-based railroad’s investment plan in Illinois is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, the company invested more than $566 million strengthening Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. This year, UP will use $70 million to maintain railroad track and $10 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

• $6 million investment in the rail line between Elburn and Fulton to replace 16 miles of rail
• $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

UP 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.