Union Pacific Railroad is making it easier – and more transparent – for states and local communities to work with the railroad on infrastructure projects that cross paths with its tracks.
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The railroad developed a new online portal that allows cities, counties, states and federal agencies to submit and track public project proposals as they wind through the various stages of development.
With a few clicks of a computer keyboard, an agency can find the status of an overpass or sidewalk project and learn next steps to keep the project moving forward in a timely manner.
“We are always trying to find ways to make it easier for our public agency partners to work with Union Pacific on projects that are important to local communities,” said Paul Rathgeber, director-Industry and Public Projects, Network Planning and Operations. “This new service will make it easier to keep projects on track, saving time and reducing emails. ”The online portal is currently being tested in Arkansas, with plans to roll it out this year in Utah, Oklahoma and Nebraska, as well as with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“We truly appreciate Union Pacific’s efforts to increase transparency within the process, which has the added benefit of boosting trust between our two organizations,” said Greg Nation, project coordination section head with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. “It’s a one-stop shop that is simple and straightforward to use, allowing us to efficiently track projects and keep the process moving forward.”

Erik Lewis, manager of Industry and Public Projects for Union Pacific, is working with the new online public projects portal.
Each year, Union Pacific works with hundreds of local communities on public projects that impact its property, such as overpasses, flood walls or bike trails. Currently, Union Pacific has more than 4,000 active projects on the book. These projects go through several phases, including engineering design and cost estimates.
“We work with the various agencies to find the safest, most efficient way to do these projects that’s also the most cost effective for all involved,” said Rathgeber.
Union Pacific plans to fully implement the portal across its 23-state network by 2026.