Jefferson City is one location where Union Pacific plans to invest $54 million in 2016 to improve Missouri's transportation infrastructure.
The company's multi-million-dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency, according to a news release. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the American economy.
Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $38.7 million to maintain railroad track and $15.5 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include a $9.6 million investment between Annapolis and Poplar Bluff to replace nearly 71,000 railroad ties and install 29,000 tons of ballast, and a $9.1 million investment between Valley Park, Pacific, Washington and Jefferson City to replace more than 70,000 railroad ties and install 22,000 tons of ballast.
This year's planned $54 million capital expenditure in Missouri is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011-15 Union Pacific invested nearly $195 million strengthening Missouri's transportation infrastructure.