(The following story by Lindsey Mohlman appeared on the News-Sentinel website on June 24, 2010.)
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Norfolk Sourthern is raising the speed limit for its local trains to expedite movement through Fort Wayne.
Between the city and Fort Wayne International Airport, the speed for freight trains will be raised from 30 to 50 miles per hour. The speed limit for intermodal trains will now be 60 mph.
The speed increases will be implemented over the next three weeks in 10 mph increments, the first of which is Monday. Final speeds will be in place as of July 12.
Six public crossings will be affected: Engle Road, Sandpoint Road, Lower Huntington Road, McArthur Drive, the Airport Expressway and Ferguson Road. The warning devices at these crossings have been adjusted to properly warn for faster trains.
According to Norfolk Southern, 30 trains use this line segment daily, and the speed increase is expected to improve traffic flow and crossing safety by making train traffic more fluid.