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, Wisconsin.
Train speeds will be increased 10 mph on 21st February 2011 and another 10 mph on 28th February 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, Wisconsin, 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.
