UP to upgrade Nebraska line, boost train speed on Kansas line

Union Pacific Railroad plans to spend $2.4 million to upgrade a line between South Morrill and Joyce, Neb.

Work, which began on Nov. 7 and is slated for completion by mid-December, involves the installation of 11,000 concrete ties on two mainlines.

The project is one of nearly 1,500 UP expects to complete by year's end across its 32,000-mile network to help improve operating efficiency and enhance safety.

UP also announced plans to increase train speed from 30 mph to 49 mph on nearly four miles of its line in Wichita, Kan.

Train speed will increase by 5 mph on Dec. 1, 8 and 15, and by 4 mph on Dec. 22, when the new maximum speed limit will take effect.

UP spent about $10 million on track improvements between Wichita and Medford, Okla., helping to meet applicable Federal Railroad Administration standards to boost train speed.