UP to spend $23M on improvements in Idaho

Railroad to replace more than 206,000 ties

POCATELLO — Union Pacific Railroad announced plans Monday to invest $23.1 million in railroad improvements in Idaho, according to a Union Pacific press release.

Railroads running from Pocatello to Idaho Falls and from Weiser to Mountain Home will see the improvements. The 180-mile project will include “removing and installing new rail and more than 206,000 railroad ties along the critical railroad corridor through Idaho,” the release stated.Hundreds of tons of rock ballast will help improve track stability. Chubbuck Mayor Steven England sees great future potential for the local economy.

“Businesses will look here and see the railroad as a major mode of transportation for their goods,” he said.

Union Pacific Railroad has this year put forth $3.3 billion in capital investments for current and future railroad enhancements throughout its 32,000-mile network, the release said.