OREANDA-NEWS. Recent track upgrades meeting or exceeding all applicable Federal Railroad Administration standards will allow Union Pacific to increase train speed from 60 mph to 70 mph on nearly 15 miles of its rail line between Chowchilla and Madera, California.

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.

Train speeds will be increased 10 mph on April 27, when the new maximum speed limit of 70 mph goes into effect. Union Pacific meets the Federal Railroad Administration inspection, maintenance and engineering standards required to implement this speed increase.

From 2009-2013, Union Pacific invested more than \$1.4 billion in California's rail infrastructure. The company plans to spend a record \$4.3 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling more than \$31 billion from 2005-2014. These investments contributed to a 38 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

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 \$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.