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Union Pacific Puts New Weed Spraying Train in Service

Union Pacific said its new weed spraying train can cover up to 160 miles per day. Photo Courtesy of Union Pacific. 

Union Pacific Puts New Weed Spraying Train in Service

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

OMAHA — Union Pacific said its new weed spraying train will be working across its 23-state system this year. The train, which was first introduced in 2021, can cover upwards of 160 miles per day, considerably more than the 30 or so miles per day covered by the hyrail trucks it will be replacing. 

“Clearing vegetation is an important part of track management,” said Antonio Buelna, director of rail management engineering. “It eliminates potential tripping hazards and helps make signage more visible for employees and communities.”

The new train features five water cars loaded with 100,000 gallons of weed killer. The self-propelled train, which looks a lot like some of UP’s other maintenance of way trains, sprays about 25 to 60 gallons per mile. This summer, the railroad plans on adding crew quarters so that the train can cover even more miles and work around the clock, killing weeds and tamping down vegetation along the right-of-way. 

This article was posted on: March 21, 2022