OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Iowa's and Missouri's transportation infrastructure by investing USD 10.5 million in the rail line between Allerton, Iowa, and Lock Springs, Mo. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific without taxpayer dollars, began in late July and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

The railroad will replace 67,000 railroad ties and install 41,600 tons of rock ballast. In addition, crews will renew the surfaces at 57 road crossings and install more than two miles of rail in the rail yard at Trenton, Mo. The project is one of nearly 1,500 Union Pacific will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.

"Union Pacific helps link businesses with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world," said Donna Kush, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region. "In addition to helping move customers' goods more safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and, promoting economic expansion."

Improved and additional freight rail capacity helps reduce highway congestion and contributes to a cleaner environment. One Union Pacific train can take up to 300 trucks off America's roads, and Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel.