OMAHA, Neb. — Recent track improvements will allow Union Pacific Railroad to increase the speed of its trains in central and eastern Wisconsin communities, reducing motorist wait time at crossings. The speed will increase from 25 mph to 50 mph across Union Pacific’s 112-mile line between Milwaukee and Adams, Wis., the company said.
The increased train speed improves railroad operating efficiency where Union Pacific has made track improvements.
Train speeds will be increased 10 mph on December 10, 2010, and another 15 mph on December 17, 2010, when the new maximum speed limit of 50 mph goes into effect.
Union Pacific invested more than $1 million replacing the rail between Adams, Wis., and Oxford, Wis., last year and this year invested more than $9 million to improve the rail line from Milwaukee, Wis., to near Lebanon, Wis., by removing and installing more than 33,000 ties, replacing the surfaces at 57 grade crossings and replacing nearly 24 miles of rail.
Union Pacific plans to spend approximately $2.6 billion in 2010 to support America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhance the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network. Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads.
