Union Pacific Railroad Increasing Train Speed on Its Rail Line in Western Wisconsin Communities

OMAHA, Neb., February 2, 2011 – Recent track improvements will allow Union Pacific Railroad to increase the speed of its trains in western Wisconsin communities, reducing motorist wait time at crossings. The speed will increase from 30 mph to 50 mph across more than 20 miles of Union Pacific’s line between Hudson and Menomonie, Wis.

Train speeds will be increased 10 mph on February 21, 2011, and another 10 mph on February 28, 2011, when the new maximum speed limit of 50 mph goes into effect.

Union Pacific invested more than $4 million in 2010 by replacing the rail between Hudson and Menomonie, Wis., improving the surfaces at 26 grade crossings and replacing five switches – the devices that guide a train from one track to another.

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.