Railroad to Double Train Speed Through Arkansas Town

Union Pacific Railroad says it will double the speed of its trains passing through Hope, Arkansas.

The Texarkana Gazette reports the company will increase speeds from 30 mph to 60 mph. The speeds will be increased in 5 mph increments until Dec. 22.

A Union Pacific spokesman says the company had been restricting the speeds through the city but is making the change after completing signal and track improvements. He says more collisions occur with slower trains and that drivers will have to wait less time at crossings.

Hope Police Chief J.R. Wilson says the department had expressed concerns about the move but that it supports the decision after talking with the company.