Union Pacific Railroad will
increase the speed of its trains from 10 mph to 20 mph on nearly 12 miles of
its rail line located in Kennewick, Wash. The rail line generally parallels
state highway SR 240 through Kennewick. The increased train speed will take
effect September 1, 2009. Trains currently operate through the area at 10 mph
due to track and operating constraints.
Recent track improvements will permit the higher speed.
Union Pacific invested $2.8
million this year on track improvements in Kennewick. Crews recently completed
the installation of approximately 23,500 new crossties and 700 new switch ties,
placed 200 rail cars of rock ballast and performed track surfacing. Work will
continue on upgrading nine existing public grade crossings for approximately 60
days.
