Operating speeds of Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad trains will increase now that improvements to enhance safety and upgrade the rail corridor infrastructure have been completed in the Huron area.

Train speeds will increase to be consistent with the standards and regulations of the Department of Transportation through the Federal Railroad Administration, according to DM&E officials.

In complying with FRA regulations, the railroad will gradually increase the maximum speed limit from 10 mph up to 40 mph for all trains operating on its tracks through the Lake Preston and Iroquois areas.

Trains traveling through these areas will be operating at 25 mph in the near future and will increase to a maximum speed of 40 mph. The increases will be 5 mph increments starting at the end of August.

DM&E said the increased speeds are expected to improve public traffic flow and grade crossing safety by enhancing train traffic movement through the area. Statistics show that more highway-rail grade crossing collisions occur at slower train speeds.

At the same time, slower train speeds can cause traffic delays as trains occupy street or highway crossings for longer time periods.

Motorists are required to yield to trains approaching or occupying railroad grade crossings at streets and highways.

They are reminded to:

• Always be prepared to stop when approaching train tracks.

• Not attempt to drive around the crossing gates if they’ve been lowered.

It takes 1 to 1.5 miles for a train to come to a stop after the brakes are applied. If the car stalls on the tracks, get out, move off the tracks and call the police or local emergency officials.