UP schedules $24 million in capex plans for Arizona

In its latest state-to-state announcements of capital expenditure plans, Union Pacific Railroad revealed yesterday it will invest $24 million in projects to improve its infrastructure in Arizona.

The Class I's plans will include $21 million worth of track projects and $2 million worth of bridge projects.

Work planned this year will include replacing 61,839 ties on the rail line between Tucson and Nogales, a project worth $7 million; replacing 28 miles of concrete ties and pad between Cochise and San Simon, a project worth $6 million; and replacing 26,300 ties between Casa Grande and Tucson, a project worth $3 million.

"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, UP vice president-public affairs, Western Region.

This year's Arizona investment is part of UP's ongoing strategy to upgrade its infrastructure. This year, UP plans to spend $3.1 billon across its network.

From 2012 to 2016, UP spent more than $221 million on transportation infrastructure in Arizona.