UP to hike track speed in southwest Minnesota

Next week, Union Pacific Railroad will start increasing the maximum track speed limit from 30 mph to 49 mph on a line that runs parallel to 2nd Avenue in Heron Lake, Minnesota.Train speeds at the 9th Street grade crossing will increase in weekly 5 mph increments beginning Nov. 27 until reaching the 49 mph limit on Dec. 18.A tie and rail improvement project strengthened the infrastructure on the line, allowing trains to travel safely at a higher rate of speed, UP officials said in a press release.The Class I plans to spend $14 million in Minnesota this year to support the state's freight transportation needs, as well as to enhance safety and efficiency, they said.