OREANDA-NEWS. Recent track upgrades meeting or exceeding all applicable Federal Railroad Administration standards will allow Union Pacific Railroad to increase the speed of its trains in several locations on its rail line between Arlington and Picacho, Arizona.

Increased train speeds typically reduce motorist wait time at crossings and help Union Pacific more efficiently deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily.

Maximum train speeds will be increased on the following dates and at the following locations:

Feb. 2 -

Increase from 15 mph to 20 mph for 1.1 miles in Phoenix to include the grade crossings at 9th Ave., 3rd Ave., 2nd Ave., 1st Ave. pedestrian crossing, 1st St., 2nd St., 3rd St. and 4th St. The new maximum train speed in this area is 20 mph.

Increase from 20 mph to 25 mph for 1.1 miles in Mesa to include the grade crossings at South Extension Rd. and McDonald St. The new maximum train speed in this area is 25 mph. The train speed at Broadway St. remains at 20 mph.

Increase train speeds from 25 mph to 35 mph for 43.1 miles in Arlington, Dixie, Buckeye, Litchfield, Cashion, Tolleson and Fowler to 43rd Ave. in Phoenix.

Increase train speeds from 40 mph to 50 mph for 4.2 miles in the Coolidge area. Increase train speeds from 45 mph to 55 mph for 3.7 miles in the Picacho area to include the grade crossings at Houser Rd., Alsdorf Rd. and Milligan Rd.

Feb. 9 -

Increase train speeds from 35 mph to 40 mph for 43.1 miles in Arlington, Dixie, Buckeye, Litchfield, Cashion, Tolleson and Fowler to 43rd Ave. in Phoenix. The new maximum train speed in this area is 40 mph.

Increase train speeds from 50 mph to 60 mph for 4.2 miles in the Coolidge area. The new maximum train speed in this area is 60 mph.

Increase train speeds from 55 mph to 60 mph for 3.7 miles in the Picacho area to include the grade crossings at Houser Rd., Alsdorf Rd. and Milligan Rd. The new maximum train speed in this area is 60 mph.

Union Pacific invested USD 27.5 million in track improvements to its line between Arlington and Picacho, Arizona, during the past five years which was instrumental in enabling train speeds to be increased.

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than USD 31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.