OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific plans to invest about \$23 million in 2015 to improve Nevada'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: \$20 million to maintain railroad track, \$2 million to enhance signal systems and \$720,000 to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

  • \$12.4 million investment in the rail line between Sparks and Winnemucca to replace 110,718 railroad ties and install 61,061 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 16 road crossings.
  • \$2.3 million investment in the rail line between Caliente and Las Vegas to replace 3,715 concrete railroad ties and install 2,981 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will replace 2 miles of rail in various curves throughout the line.

This year's planned \$23 million capital expenditure in Nevada is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than \$391 million strengthening Nevada'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 Scott Moore, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Western 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.