UP to speed up trains on rail line in Las Vegas area

Starting today, Union Pacific Railroad will increase train speed on 7.5 miles of rail line in Clark County, Nev., following recent track upgrades in the Las Vegas area, the Class I announced late last week.

Track improvements that meet or exceed Federal Railroad Administration standards will enable UP to speed up trains from 40 mph to 60 mph on rail line between Bonanza Road and Maule Avenue, UP officials said in a press release.

UP invested $27.9 million for Las Vegas-area track improvements over the past two years.

The faster train speeds typically help to reduce wait times for motorists at crossings and help UP transport goods to businesses more quickly, UP officials said.