(The Union Pacific Railroad issued the following on December 6.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will increase the speed of its trains to 60 mph on the rail line operating through Neodesha, Kan.
Train speeds will be increased five miles per hour each week beginning January 7, 2008 until the new speed limit is reached on February 11. Trains currently operate through the area at 30 mph because of track and operating constraints. Recent track improvements permit higher speeds.
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.