Union Pacific's planned private investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service. (Union Pacific photo)

Texas's transportation infrastructure will receive a $450 million boost from Union Pacific Railroad in 2018. The company's planned private investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

Union Pacific builds and maintains its track without taxpayer funds and its trains reduce traffic on Texas's congested highways. A single Union Pacific train can carry as much freight as 300 trucks and move one ton of freight 452 miles on a single gallon of diesel, generating a carbon footprint that is 75 percent less than trucks.

Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the American economy. The company's planned investment covers a range of initiatives, including $320 million to maintain railroad track and $94 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

• $17 million investment in the rail line between Ranger and Sweetwater to replace 115,469 railroad ties and install 54,273 tons of rock ballast.
• $14 million investment in the rail line between Raymondville and Robstown to replace 116,091 railroad ties and install 72,346 tons of rock ballast.

This year's planned $450 million capital expenditure in Texas is part of the company's ongoing investment strategy. In the last five years, 2013-2017, Union Pacific invested more than $2.3 billion strengthening Texas's transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, in February Union Pacific announced construction on Brazos Yard in Robertson County, Texas. This $550 million facility represents the largest capital investment in a single facility for the company and is scheduled for completion in 2020.

“Our targeted investments support customers and enhance our efficiency to deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific assistant vice president — public affairs, Southern Region.

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.3 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $34 billion from 2008-2017.

For more information, visit www.up.com.

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