WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Union Pacific (UNP) said that it plans to invest $72 million in 2015 to improve Louisiana's transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $67 million to maintain railroad track, $1 million to enhance signal systems and $2 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.
Key projects planned this year include: $11 million investment in the rail line between Columbia and Pollock to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings; $8 million investment in the rail line between Fordoche and Morrow to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.
This year's planned $72 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than $568 million strengthening Louisiana's transportation infrastructure.
Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX