By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

Improving the infrastructure of Kyle Railroad is important to its long-term success, according to the company's general manager.

That's why the Phillipsburg-based company will be replacing rail ties across northwest Kansas this year and making repairs to three bridges along its 510 miles of track.

"If we don't invest this money, the railroad will deteriorate," General Manager Todd Bjornstad said.

Kyle Railroad is expected to spend about $2 million on maintenance and enhancement projects.

About 18,000 ties will be replaced on track starting near Phillipsburg. Other work, in smaller doses, will be done near Selden and Smith Center.

A good crop year in 2007 in Kansas and Colorado boosted the number of shipments for Kyle Railroad, Bjornstad said.

"This year's crop was decent, but due to the market prices, we haven't seen as many shipments," Bjornstad said.

About 65 percent of Kyle Railroad's business is hauling grains and agricultural products across Kansas and Colorado.

"Short-line railroads are vital to Kansas, especially to farmers and grain elevators in small towns that depend on short lines to move grain to market," Bjornstad said in a press release.

Short-line rail is estimated to save the state $49.5 million in pavement damage costs each year, according to a Kansas State University study.

Bjornstad also said Kyle Railroad finished with an injury-free report card for 2008, which means the company will be able to keep its costs down and rates affordable for customers.

"For shippers, rehabilitated and upgraded short-line track means lower costs, more flexible local service and a greatly expanded market reach for local products," Bjornstad said. "Having rail transportation as a shipping alternative keeps transportation costs competitive."