Shakopee, Minn., May 15, 2013 Union Pacific Railroad is launching a billboard campaign aimed at encouraging Shakopee drivers to safely use railroad crossings.
At the center of the campaign is a billboard featuring a graphic representing a crossing arm and the message "Always expect a train."
An estimated 18,400 drivers a week along Co. Rd. 69, between Hwy. 212 and Hwy 169, will view this message until June 2. The billboard has been in place since April 22.
"This billboard will remind people of their surroundings and keep them safe around railroad tracks," said Wes Lujan, assistant vice president, Government Affairs for Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. "Trains are operating at all times on railroad tracks, and our No. 1 priority is the safety of our employees and communities."
The billboard will remind drivers "Always expect a train." Union Pacific encourages drivers and pedestrians to follow all laws regarding grade crossings and railroad safety.
"The billboard campaign is a reminder to drivers to obey the warning devices at railroad crossings," said Jesse Wilkerson, Minnesota Operation Lifesaver Board President.
"In the last five years we have had one vehicle collision, 14 broken gates, seven unsafe motorist/pedestrian reports and nine reports of vehicles stuck or stopped on the tracks in Shakopee," said Kevin Dawson, Union Pacific Railroad manager of public safety. "We hope the billboard message will remind drivers to heed the warnings at railroad grade crossings."
In addition to the billboard campaign, Union Pacific's UP CARES initiative promotes pedestrian and driver safety through a variety of outreach channels:
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 links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012. 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.
Union Pacific media contact: Mark Davis, 402-544-5459 or mwdavis@up.com
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