UP announces rail line upgrades in Iowa, Missouri

Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to invest $18.5 million to upgrade rail lines in Iowa and Missouri.

In a $10.5 million project that began in July, UP is replacing 67,000 ties and 41,600 tons of ballast along the line between Allerton, Iowa, and Lock Springs, Mo. In addition, crews will renew surfaces at 57 grade crossings and install more than two miles of rail in the yard at Trenton, Mo., UP officials said in a press release.

In an $8 million project that started in Iowa on Aug. 6, UP will replace 50,000 ties and install 18,000 tons of ballast along the line between Mason City and near Iowa Falls. Crews also will renew surfaces at 73 crossings.

The projects are among 1,500 that UP plans to complete across its 32,000-mile network this year.

"In addition to helping move customers' goods more safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and promoting economic expansion," said Donna Kush, UP's vice president-public affairs for the northern region.