Union Pacific Railroad will increase the speed of its trains to 49 mph on the rail line operating through Marion, Goreville and Buncombe, Ill.

Train speed will be increased five miles per hour on May 25 and nine miles per hour on June 1, when the new maximum speed limit is reached. Trains currently operate through these southern Illinois communities at 35 mph because of track and operating constraints. Recent track improvements permit higher speeds.

Union Pacific has raised train speeds through several communities following necessary highway/railroad grade crossing signal modifications and has found that not only do the trains operate more efficiently, but motorists are not stopped at the crossings as long.Union Pacific Corporation owns one of Americas leading transportation companies.