Trains through Marion doubling their speed

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:11

Trains with Union Pacific doubled their speed through the city of Marion Friday from 25 mph to 49 mph.

The reason for the increased speed is to help move freight fast on the track, an official spokesperson with UP said.

City Administrator Doug Kjellin said it’s very important for farmers around Marion, especially when field work begins in the spring to pay close attention.

“Most intersections outside the city limits are not gated,” Kjellin said. “This one needs to be in people’s minds as drivers try to judge crossing times around Marion.”

Trains were forced to slow down when approaching Marion because of the curve on the south, but UP officials said this has been fixed.

“Before the curve was corrected, there was a slow order on that track, but now trains are able to move faster,” a spokesperson said.

Prior to increasing train speeds Friday, a UP?representative was in Marion Wednesday talking with city officials, police and fire departments, the director of the Marion School District’s bus barn and the Marion County Sheriff.

Kjellin is urging all motorists to be careful with the higher speeds, but particularly the crossings outside the city.