UP - Union Pacific Corporation
08/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 14:50
Union Pacific Increases Helicopter Use to Safely, Sustainably Manage Vegetation
Union Pacific Railroad is strengthening its aerial operations to safely combat trackside vegetation along its 32,000-mile network.
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The railroad recently increased spending on its vegetation management program, particularly helicopter cutting operations. The helicopters' suspended saws trim hard-to-reach tree limbs in dense or rugged terrain, outside of city limits.
"Helicopter removal is an efficient and safe method of controlling brush in areas a hyrail brushcutter could not reach," said Tanya Buck, manager-Track Program Vegetation. "By proactively minimizing the risk of fallen trees at high elevations, we can restore service more quickly following hurricanes and other natural disasters."
An aerial view from a helicopter shows a clear track view in Lufkin, Texas.
Helicopters are just one facet of the program: The Vegetation team also leverages hyrail trucks and other on- and off-track equipment to spray weeds and cut brush on the ground.
In addition to improving service reliability, efforts to tame vegetation around tracks can decrease potential fire risks and tripping hazards and increase visibility at rail crossings and signals.
"So far this year, we've treated vegetation surrounding more than 19,000 crossings across the system," said Patrick Mills, senior manager-Vegetation, who oversees the program.
As the railroad traverses a variety of landscapes across the country's western 23 states, Union Pacific aims to responsibly manage and preserve biodiversity in the areas it operates.
"Our vegetation program successfully reduces the risk of wildfires, controls noxious weeds and promotes growth of low-growing vegetation species that help control erosion and allow for the free flow of rainwater," Mills said.
Since the start of the year, the team has sprayed greenery surrounding more than 16,500 miles of track and cut brush along 1,100-plus miles.
Helicopters are just one of the many technologies Union Pacific leverages to safely maintain and inspect its infrastructure - read more in Railway Tracks & Structures.
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