News Releases

Capital Investment

Union Pacific Plans to Invest $119 Million in its Illinois Rail Infrastructure

Investments enhance community safety and railroad efficiency

Omaha, Neb., April 30, 2015

Union Pacific plans to invest $119 million in 2015 to improve Illinois' transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. 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 resurgent American economy.

Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: nearly $105 million to maintain railroad track, $5 million to enhance signal systems and $9 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

  • $9.7 million investment in the rail line between Chester and near Thebes to replace 71,000 railroad ties and install 9,175 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will repair the surfaces at 66 road crossings.
  • $8.6 million investment in the rail line between O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and near the Illinois/Wisconsin border to replace more than 15 miles of rail in various locations and repair the surfaces at 40 road crossings.
  • $7.7 million investment in the rail line between Chester and near Cora to replace more than 14 miles of rail in various locations and repair the surfaces at 10 road crossings.

This year's planned $119 million capital expenditure in Illinois is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2010 to 2014 Union Pacific invested more than $840 million strengthening Illinois' transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than $31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

Media Contact

Mark Davis
402-544-5459
mwdavis@up.com