Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Kansas’ transportation infrastructure by investing $19 million in the rail line between Salina and near Oakley. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific without taxpayer dollars, began April 11 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

The railroad will replace 133,700 railroad ties, install more than 63,700 tons of rock ballast and replace more than one-quarter mile of rail in various curves. In addition, crews will renew the surfaces at 174 road crossings. The project is one of nearly 1,500 Union Pacific will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.