Illinois’ transportation infrastructure will receive a $103.6 million boost from Union Pacific Railroad in 2018. The company’s planned private investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
Union Pacific builds and maintains its track without taxpayer funds and its trains reduce traffic on Illinois’ congested highways. A single Union Pacific train can carry as many as 300 trucks and move one ton of freight 452 miles on a single gallon of diesel, generating a carbon footprint that is 75 percent less than trucks.
The company’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives, including $40.8 million to maintain railroad track and $23.5 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:
- $10.7 million investment in the rail line between Watseka and Chicago Heights to replace 49 miles of rail.
- $9.8 million investment in the rail line between Elburn and Beaver Island to replace more than 51,000 railroad ties.
This year’s planned $103.6 million capital expenditure in Illinois is part of the company’s ongoing investment strategy. In the last five years, 2013–2017, Union Pacific invested more than $497.3 million strengthening Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.
“Our targeted investments support customers and enhance our efficiency to deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Liisa Stark, Union Pacific assistant vice president – public affairs, northern region.
Union Pacific plans to spend $3.3 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $34 billion from 2008–2017.
