(Union Pacific issued the following on February 28.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad will increase the speed of its trains to 49 mph on three miles of its rail line through Wellington, Kan.
Train speeds will be increased five miles per hour on March 3, 2008, and four miles per hour on March 10, 2008, when the new maximum speed limit is reached. Trains currently operate through the area at 40 mph because of track and operating constraints. Recent track improvements are permitting the 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.