(Union Pacific issued the following on May 8.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will increase the speed of its trains to 49 mph on nearly 16 miles of its rail line between Necedah and Wyeville, Wis.
Train speeds will be increased ten miles per hour on May 23, 2008, and nine miles per hour on May 30, 2008, when the new maximum speed limit is reached. Trains currently operate through the area at 30 mph because of track and operating constraints. Recent track improvements are permitting the higher speeds.
Union Pacific invested $4.7 million this year on track improvements between Necedah and Wyeville. Crews replaced the rail, installed seven switches – the track devices that guide a train from one track to another – and replaced the road surfaces at 16 crossings. Work was completed in mid-April.
Union Pacific has raised train speeds through several communities following necessary highway/railroad grade crossing signal modifications and has found that not only do the trains operate more efficiently, but motorists are not stopped at the crossings as long.