Union Pacific Rail Road representatives have advised that the speed limit for their tracks from Mead north of Lincoln, to MacArthur west of Broadway, will be raised from 20 miles per hour to 30 mph, effective April 1, 2006. Rail speed limits are based on the condition and layout of the tracks in specified segments.
The new speed limit will reduce the length of time a given train will block traffic at street crossings, which motorists will appreciate. It also means that trains will be approaching the crossings faster. Trains always appear to be moving slower than they actually are, which tempts some drivers to attempt to ‘beat the train’ at crossings. With the new speed limit in effect, motorists are cautioned once again that in a car/train collision, the train always wins.