OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific is boosting safety and efficiency with an approximately $24 million infrastructure investment in Arizona this year. Projects funded by Union Pacific benefit Arizona’s overall transportation infrastructure without taxpayer funds.

Union Pacific’s investment plan funds a range of initiatives: $21 million to maintain railroad track and $2 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$7 million investment in the rail line between Tucson and Nogales to replace 61,839 railroad ties during a tie replacement project.

$6 million investment in the rail line between Cochise and San Simon to replace 28 miles of concrete ties and pad.

$3 million investment in the rail line between Casa Grande and Tucson to replace 26,300 railroad ties during a tie replacement project.

"Union Pacific’s targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across Arizona," said Wes Lujan, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Western Region. "Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state."

This year’s planned $24 million capital expenditure in Arizona is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, Union Pacific invested more than $221 million strengthening Arizona’s transportation infrastructure.

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.1 billion across its network this year. The company has invested $51 billion since 2000, contributing to a 40 percent decrease in derailments during the same time frame.