Union Pacific Railroad’s Pipeline Express — which serves the steel pipeline industry by delivering product for oil and gas producers — has delivered its 25,000th rail car of pipeline product, the railroad said Thursday.

Formed in 2005, Pipeline Express has grown from moving approximately 1,700 rail cars in its first year to nearly 8,000 through year-end 2008. Union Pacific said its rail network “aligns well geographically with new pipeline projects.”

Natural gas reserves are expected to grow 39% from 2007 levels by the end of 2009, Union Pacific said, citing Energy Information Administration data. The railroad said it has invested nearly $17 billion in its rail network since 2005.

“We have the industry’s largest fleet of 89-foot flat cars capable of hauling 100 tons of pipe,” said Greg Shimonek, senior business director for the railroad’s Pipeline Express service.

Union Pacific links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country.

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