Union Pacific resumes original train speeds in San Antonio region

Union Pacific resumes original train speeds in San Antonio region

   Union Pacific Railroad has outlined plans to improve 95 crossing surfaces and return trains to their the original speed on two San Antonio area rail lines slowed by “track and operating constraints.”

   From Jan. 24, on UP’s line serving City Public Service’s J.T. Deely Power Plant, the speed will be increased 10 miles per hour each week until the original maximum speed of 30 mph is reached Feb. 8.

   At a cost of $4.7 million, Union Pacific crews replaced and installed 22,200 ties, spread 7,200 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed, replaced seven miles of rail and upgraded the driving surfaces at 40 grade crossings on this line.

   Beginning Feb. 15, the rail line that runs from downtown north of I-10, out to C.W. Anderson Loop continuing on to the rock quarries, will have the speed increased by five miles per hour each week until the original maximum speed of 25 mph is reached March 1.

   On this line, crews are replacing 21,000 ties, spreading 7,200 tons of rock ballast, replacing four miles of rail in curves and upgrading the driving surfaces at 55 grade crossings. This $5.9 million project began in January and is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

   UP said the crossing surface work on both lines is expected to be completed by May.