Union Pacific progressing southward with rail tie replacement

     An ongoing Union Pacific railroad project has reached its halfway point near Chapin.

     The company has been working on a massive rail tie replacement job on their rail line from Mason City to Iowa Falls. The project began on Aug. 6 and officials hope to wrap-up around mid-September. According to a statement from Union Pacific, workers will replace 50,500 railroad ties, install 18,000 tons of rock ballast and resurface 73 road crossings.

     The project’s cost was estimated at $8 million and is completely funded by Union Pacific.

     “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,” Union Pacific Vice President Donna Kush said in a statement.

Read the full article in the Sept. 4 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.