OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Illinois' transportation infrastructure by investing USD 12 million in the rail line between West Chicago and Franklin Grove, Illinois. The project began October 1 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.

The railroad will replace nearly 39,000 concrete railroad ties and install 8,400 tons of rock ballast between Elburn and Franklin Grove. Crews also will replace more than 11 miles of rail and renew the surfaces at 20 road crossings between West Chicago and Elburn. The project is one of nearly 1,500 Union Pacific will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.

"Union Pacific helps businesses connect with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region. "In addition to helping move our customers' goods safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and promoting economic expansion."

Improved and additional freight rail capacity helps reduce highway congestion and contributes to a cleaner environment. One Union Pacific train can take up to 300 trucks off America's roads, and Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel.

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2004-2013, Union Pacific invested approximately USD 30 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.