The Union Pacific Railroad’s investments in Illinois are picking up steam and the company now reports intentions to put $103.6 million into the state this year for maintenance and new endeavors alike.
Safety is one of the main focuses of this latest investment push. As such, $10.7 million is going toward replacement of 49 miles of rail between Watseka and Chicago Heights, $9.8 million for the replacement of railroad ties between Elburn and Beaver Island, an additional $40.8 million to maintain tracks and $23.5 million to maintain bridges.
“Our targeted investments support customers and enhance our efficiency to deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” Liisa Stark, Union Pacific assistant vice president of Public Affairs for the Northern Region, said.
This is part of an ongoing effort on the railroad’s part, which has seen investments of more than $497.3 million into the state since 2013. Beyond merely Illinois, Union Pacific has also announced plans to spend $3.3 billion across its network at large this year.