News Releases

Safety

New Pedestrian Crossing System Starts Today at the Wheaton Metra Union Pacific West Line Station

Chicago, Ill., January 26, 2015

Changes to enhance safety and improve train flow

A new pedestrian grade crossing system will be activated today at the Wheaton Metra station along the Union Pacific West Line. The new system, called the Another Train Warning System (ATWS), is part of a multi-million dollar project designed to improve the flow of commuter and freight traffic on the heavily used line, as well as to allow trains to safely operate through a station when a commuter train is stopped there.

The system was activated at the Maywood, Melrose Park, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Glen Ellyn, College Avenue, Winfield and Geneva stations in 2011.

Metra and Union Pacific studied train station improvement initiatives across the country to incorporate best practices into the West Line safety infrastructure.

The Another Train Warning System uses audible and visual alerts to warn pedestrians at crossings near the stations that another train-in addition to the one that is stopped at the station-is approaching or present. The system enhances other grade crossing protections, including new paths that safely guide pedestrians to a gated crossing, more pedestrian gates and more inter-track fencing to discourage pedestrians from crossing at unsafe and unauthorized locations.

Improved Train Flow

The completion of two areas of the third main line in 2013 provides capacity to keep trains moving. Additionally, two universal crossovers that were installed in 2011 closed a 15-mile gap between crossovers on the line, increasing the use of multiple tracks to bypass rail congestion. This, combined with the 2011 upgraded rail signal system, allows trains to safely operate closer together and improves train flow.

As a result of these upgrades, including the installation of ATWS, freight trains now can continue to operate while commuter trains are in stations.

The overall project is an example of Union Pacific support for its customers' business through strategic investments.

Other information regarding the Metra Union Pacific West Line improvements can be found at www.metraupwest.com.

About Metra

Metra provides commuter rail service between the downtown Chicago business district and 240 stations in Northeastern Illinois over 11 routes totaling about 500 route miles. Metra operates about 700 weekday trains, providing more than 300,000 passenger trips a day.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than $31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

Media Contact

Mark Davis
402-5445459
mwdavis@up.com
@davisuprr

Media Contact

Michael Gillis
312-322-6776
mggillis@metrarr.com