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Last week, Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to spend $54 million in 2005 to improve track within a 50-mile radius of San Antonio.

By mid-February, the Class I expects to finish replacing seven miles of rail, installing 22,200 ties, spreading 7,200 tons of ballast and upgrading surfaces at 40 grade crossings on a line serving a power plant.

By February's end, UP also plans to replace four miles of rail, install 21,000 ties, spread 7,200 tons of ballast and upgrade surfaces at 55 grade crossings on a line running north from downtown San Antonio to Interstate 10.

Other planned projects include:
• building a bridge and track to serve a new Toyota facility;
• constructing a second mainline track on right of way between UP's East and Kirby yards;
• improving several south San Antonio yards by building seven tracks, lengthening two tracks and installing connections; and
• upgrading three other area yards by replacing about 19 miles of rail and 30 switches, and installing 57,000 ties.

"Our investments in track are essential for Union Pacific to operate safely in the community and provide quality service for our 166 San Antonio customers," said Shane Keller, general superintendent of UP's San Antonio Service Unit, in a prepared statement.