Illinois rail infrastructure to have $85m boost thanks to Union Pacific

1529
A stock image of a Union Pacific train. Credit: Stone Photos/Shutterstock.
A stock image of a Union Pacific train. Credit: Stone Photos/Shutterstock.
Listen to this article

Rail operator Union Pacific has announced it is to invest $85 million in Illinois’ rail infrastructure.

The news follows similar statements for other midwestern states in the past two months as part of Union Pacific’s wider $3.1 billion programme to improve safety and efficiency

The latest commitment will see $70 million spent to maintain railroad track – including $6 million investment in the rail line between Elburn and Fulton and $7 million investment in the rail line between East St. Louis and Chester – and $10 million to maintain bridges in the state.

Union Pacific vice president Donna Kush said: “Union Pacific’s targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimise delays as trains travel through communities across Illinois.

“Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state.”

From 2012 to 2016, Union Pacific invested more than $566 million strengthening Illinois’s transportation infrastructure.

Previous articleSNCF to rebrand its high-speed service TGV in bid to attract more customers
Next articleEngie acquires onboard trains communications specialist Icomera