Union Pacific Main Line Expansion

RailWorks constructed a second UP main line on the rail bridge near Gasconade, Mo.

Constructed 25,000 track feet
Limited access next to the Missouri River
Work completed next to active main line

Gasconade, MO

Customer
Gaines Construction for Union Pacific Railroad

RailWorks Business Unit
RailWorks Track Services

Description
Union Pacific expanded its main line at Gasconade, Mo., to provide additional capacity.

Scope
RailWorks furnished labor and equipment to construct 25,000 track feet for a second main line for Union Pacific.

Unique features
Several factors made this project uniquely challenging. The new line was built between the existing main line and the winding Missouri River, which severely limited access for material handling. The project called for installing new 141# rail on concrete ties using a newly designed rail clip specified by the railroad. This required using special equipment, which was under development by the manufacturer and tested on this job. The machine needed to be robust enough to push on and pull off the clips for construction and rail de-stressing.

Other participants
Gaines Construction – prime contractor
Union Pacific Railroad – architect