UP charts Louisiana infrastructure work

Union Pacific Railroad has planned $79 million-worth of infrastructure projects in Louisiana this year, the Class I announced yesterday.

The projects will involve $58 million-worth of track maintenance and $18 million-worth of bridge maintenance, according to a UP press release.

Key projects planned for the year include a $19 million investment to replace 149,125 ties and install 76,150 tons of ballast on the rail line between Alexandria and Shreveport; and an $11 million investment to replace 90,659 ties and install 35,093 tons of ballast on the line between Alexandria and Iowa.

"Union Pacific's targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across Louisiana," said Brenda Mainwaring, UP's vice president of public affairs in the southern region.

This year's planned $79 million capital expenditure in Louisiana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, UP spent more than $392 million strengthening Louisiana's transportation infrastructure.

UP plans to spend $3.1 billion across its network in 2017.