SALT LAKE CITY?Union Pacific may be forced to suspend hazardous rail shipments during the Winter Olympics as a precaution against terrorism or accidental spills.

“If it’s a safety concern, we’ll stop it,” Utah Public Safety Commissioner Robert Flowers said Thursday. Flowers said the Olympic safety command of federal, state and local authorities has the power to shut down Union Pacific operations in Salt Lake City.

“If we can close down an airport, we can close a railroad,” said Flowers, the chief Olympic security commander.

No flights will be allowed in or out of Salt Lake’s airport during the Olympic ceremonies, one precautions ordered after Sept. 11.