Union Pacific Railroad Increasing Train Speed On Rail Line In Eastern Nebraska

JOC Staff |
OMAHA, Neb., September 21, 2010 – Recent track improvements will allow Union Pacific Railroad to increase the speed of its trains in two eastern Nebraska communities, reducing motorist wait time at crossings. In Columbus, Neb., the speed will increase from 50 mph to 70 mph and in Grand Island the speed will increase from 60 mph to 70 mph.

The increased train speed improves railroad operating efficiency where Union Pacific has made track improvements.

Train speeds will be increased 10 mph on October 1, 2010, and another 10 mph on October 22, 2010, when the new maximum speed limit of 70 mph goes into effect in Columbus. In Grand Island the speed will increase 10 mph on October 1, when the new maximum speed limit of 70 mph goes into effect.

Union Pacific invested more than $26 million in track improvements to its line between Schuyler, Neb., through Columbus to Duncan, Neb., last year which was instrumental in enabling the speed of the trains to be increased in Columbus. More than $20 million in track improvements were made this year on track between Grand Island and Gibbon, Neb.

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.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.

Media contact: Mark Davis at 402-544-5459 or mwdavis@up.com

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