Union Pacific to upgrade Pollock to Columbia rail line

Union Pacific will spend $11 million on the rail line between Pollock and Columbia to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 21 road crossings.

That project is part of the $72 million Union Pacific plans to spend this year to improve Louisiana's transportation infrastructure, according to a company news release.

"The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency," the release said.

Union Pacific's planned investment includes $67 million to maintain railroad track, including the Pollock to Columbia improvements; $1 million to enhance signal systems; and $2 million to maintain or replace bridges in the state.

In addition to the Pollock to Columbia project, another major investment will be $8 million for the rail line between Fordoche and Morrow to replace 22 miles of rail and repair the surfaces at 12 road crossings.

From 2010 to 2014, Union Pacific invested more than $568 million in Louisiana.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific vice president, Public Affairs, Southern Region.

Union Pacific plans to spend $4.2 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than $31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years, the news release said.