Union Pacific Safely Restores Nebraska Rail Bridge, Keeping Trains and Community Moving

The steel and timber bridge spans Salt Creek and serves as a key freight rail crossing in the region. Originally built in 1899, the bridge has undergone multiple maintenance upgrades through the years.

Union Pacific mobilized specialized bridge crews, engineers, track and signal teams, and contractors, coordinating across departments and agencies to keep freight moving without interruption. As a result, there was no impact on customers. Crews worked around the clock to demolish timber sections and replace them with concrete spans, drive new piles, reposition the truss, install track panels and ballast, and reinforce the structure – without injury or incident.

The operation required raising up and repositioning a steel truss weighing the equivalent of more than three Boeing 737 aircraft. Crews assembled a 300-ton crane on site – delivered in 16 semi-truck loads – to complete the massive lift.

Projects like this underscore Union Pacific’s ability to safely execute complex infrastructure work while maintaining reliable service across its network, a capability that remains critical as the railroad looks to the future and continues to strengthen its role in the nation’s freight rail system.

“Eight days later, our teams safely put this bridge back in service,” said Eric Gehringer, executive vice president-Operations. “It’s an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the expertise, determination and safety mindset of our people working through a complex operation.”

Chris Gust, general director-Engineering Structure, said the response reflects the deep commitment employees bring to maintaining the railroad’s infrastructure.

“Moments like this make me incredibly proud to be part of Union Pacific,” Gust said. “Our people brought grit, skill and teamwork to restore the railroad and keep America moving.”

The bridge is fully operational and back to serving as a freight service corridor for regional agricultural customers.

The project was completed thanks to extensive coordination among the railroad’s Engineering and Transportation teams, contractors, the Harriman Dispatching Center and multiple local, state and federal agencies.