Union Pacific Railroad has begun work on some $27 million in track improvements on its line extending between Benton and Gorham, Ill.
When the project is completed, crews will have removed and installed nearly 43,000 ties and more than 32 miles of rail, spread nearly 20,300 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed, replaced eight switches, and renewed road surfaces at 62 crossings.
Work replacing the rail is scheduled to be completed by mid-August, UP said. Crossing surface replacement began in May and is expected to be completed in September. The ties will be replaced in October.
Last year, Union Pacific invested nearly $240 million for capital projects in Illinois.