OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific plans to invest nearly \\$41 million in 2015 to improve Colorado's transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the resurgent American economy.

Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: \\$34 million to maintain railroad track, \\$860,000 to enhance signal systems and nearly \\$6 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

  • \\$20.5 million investment in the rail line between Dotsero and near Palisade to replace 141,300 railroad ties, install 53,000 tons of rock ballast and replace more than three miles of rail in various curves. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 40 road crossings.
  • \\$2.7 million investment in the rail line between Denver and near Phippsburg to replace more than four miles of rail in various curves.

This year's planned nearly \\$41 million capital expenditure in Colorado is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than \\$292 million strengthening Colorado's transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

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.