Union Pacific increasing train speed in eastern Nebraska communities

Recent track improvements will allow Union Pacific 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.