UP preps infrastructure projects for Idaho, Oregon, Iowa

Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to spend a total $108 million on rail infrastructure projects in Idaho, Oregon and Iowa in 2016, the Class I announced last month.

In Idaho, UP will spend $34.9 million to maintain track and $883,000 to maintain bridges. Key investments will include $3.3 million to replace 27,704 ties on the rail line in Pocatello; $8.2 million to replace 60,510 ties on the line between Mountain Home and Boise; and $4.2 million to replace 3 miles of rail and 24,000 ties on the rail line along the Pocatello Subdivision and within the Pocatello Yard.

UP has spent up to $135 million between 2011 and 2015 to maintain and improve its rail infrastructure in Idaho.

In Oregon, the Class I will spend $28.5 million to maintain track and $3.8 million on bridges. From 2011 to 2015, UP spent more than $193 million to improve its infrastructure in Oregon.

Projects in the state this year will include a $4.5 million investment in the rail line between Chemult and Oakridge to replace 33,372 ties; a $3.6 million investment in the rail line between Bridal Veil and Hood River to replace 28,342 ties; and a $3.2 million investment in the rail line between Stanfield and La Grande to replace 4 miles of curve rail.

And in Iowa, UP will invest $30.7 million to maintain track and $6.7 million to maintain bridges in the state. UP has spent $184 million between 2011 and 2015 to improve its rail infrastructure in Iowa.

Key projects in Iowa this year will include a $5 million expense to undercut 30 miles of track between Nevada and Boone; a $5 million investment to replace 38,000 ties on the rail line between Mechanicsville and Blairstown through south Cedar Rapids; and a $4.1 million plan to replace more than 22,000 ties on the line between Ogden and Carroll.