Railroad work has positive effect on local economy
Staff reporter
Marion residents first noticed the influx of workers last year when two white buses with Union Pacific Railroad logos were seen around town.
The parking lot at Marion baseball complex filled up with construction trailers, trailers used to haul equipment, and numerous cars and trucks that belonged to Union Pacific employees. Workers are transported from the parking lot by bus to the job site.
And then they returned Oct. 1, to finish the job they had started.
Between 130 and 140 workers were in Marion for eight days, replacing rails on the UP tracks between Marion and Peabody.
They're gone now. That's how their schedule is — work eight days, off seven.
The men returned to their homes — some in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Mexico, but a good share from Texas. They will return to Marion Tuesday, and according to supervisor Bill Loggins, the crew probably will complete its task by Oct. 20.
The majority of the crew will be gone again until next year when they return to replace the rail from Peabody to Whitewater.
The rail renewal and replacement project is replacing older rails with continuous welded rails, a huge upgrade, that will allow trains to go faster and require less rail maintenance.
How it works
Some manual labor is involved but much of the backbreaking work has been replaced with machines.
New rails are laid down.
Machines, one right after the other, travel over the rails and pull up spikes from the old rails for removal. A crane with a large magnet picks up metal plates and spikes and moves the old rails out of the way.
Next comes a machine that shoots a foam compound into holes on the ties that were made when the previous rails were installed. Another machine follows, which levels the foam and sweeps dirt and other debris from the ties.
The ties then are positioned by a machine in preparation for the new rails. New spikes are inserted and the tracks are finished.
The work day begins at 8 a.m. and finishes at 7 or 8 p.m.
Local economic boom
So, where do 130 people stay for eight days?
Some at area campgrounds, most in local and area motels.
"We have guys staying in Marion, Hillsboro, Newton, and McPherson," Loggins said.
Local businesses are cashing in on the surge of people.
"We've been booked up and will be again when they return," Tina Hancock, owner of Country Inn Motel, Marion, said.
The Marion motel is like most in the area — local and area events dictate business.
For this motel, business has been good and will continue to be good when a construction company will come in and the motel will be full again.
A similar situation occurred at Country Haven Inn at Hillsboro. Some rooms at the inn will be booked until the end of the year by Union Pacific. The influx of workers in Marion has had a positive effect on that business.
Business at Hillcrest Motel, Hillsboro, also has been good.
And a working man has to eat.
Even though area restaurants have not noticed a significant increase, a slight increase in sales is welcomed.
Convenience stores, particularly in Marion, have done well with the sale of diesel fuel and some food items.
Ampride served biscuits and gravy in the mornings while the workers were in town to help fill a void.
When it is all said and done, these visitors have had a positive impact on the local economy.
