UP working on Missouri right-of-way

Union Pacific Railroad said Friday it will continue improving the transportation infrastructure in Missouri by investing nearly $5 million in the rail line that runs from Pleasant Hill to Independence, Mo.

Various projects over the almost 35 miles of the line include removing and installing 21,800 ties, replacing more than a mile of rail in various curves, as well as renewing the surfaces at 44 road crossings. Crews will also spread 16,000 tons of rock ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed, UP said.

Most of these projects began September 16 and are scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

The project is part of UP’s approximately $3.3 billion capital investment for 2011, in order to support the current and future freight transportation needs of the U.S. and enhance the safety and efficiency of UP’s 32,000-mile network.