Spring, Texas, September 23, 2013 – Union Pacific Railroad engineers will begin sounding train whistles at all railroad crossings between Livonia and Avondale during sugar cane season, an effort that resulted in zero collisions involving trains and sugar cane trucks last year. The precautionary measure begins October 1 and concludes December 31.

The Federal Railroad Administration requires railroads to sound train whistles at all public crossings. Most of the railroad crossings along sugar cane fields lead to private properties, which do not require engineers to sound the whistles.

This is the second year engineers will sound train whistles at all railroad crossings during sugar cane season, which affects Union Pacific's line that runs through southeast Louisiana. The three-month effort includes crossings located in Addis, Plaquemine, Donaldsonville and Luling.

"The number of trucks crossing the tracks increases during sugar cane season and sounding train whistles at these crossings will help us alert drivers of approaching trains," said Roger Lambeth, Union Pacific superintendent - Transportation Services. "We hope the heightened awareness reminds drivers to use caution when they approach the railroad tracks and leads to another safe sugar cane season."

Sugar cane farmers and railroads are a vital part of southern Louisiana's economy. Union Pacific offers the following rail safety tips that can keep drivers and pedestrians safe throughout the year:

• Always expect a train and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.
• Wait for trains and do not attempt to beat approaching trains.
• Do not stop your vehicle on railroad tracks.
• Avoid distractions such as loud music, texting or talking on cell phones while crossing railroad tracks.
• Pedestrians should cross the tracks only at designated railroad crossings.

  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: Raquel Espinoza, 281-350-7771 or respinoza@up.com

  • www.up.com
  • www.facebook.com/unionpacific
  • www.twitter.com/unionpacific

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.