BNSF is committed to ongoing maintenance and upgrading of its infrastructure – including bridges – to keep train traffic moving safely and efficiently. Originally built in 1908, the Washougal River Railroad Bridge at Camas, Wash. helped drive economic growth in the Pacific Northwest, but the bridge was in need of replacement to ensure safety and reliability for the next 100 years.
Three years of planning, preparation and execution went into the bridge replacement. BNSF used an innovative technique, building the new spans next to the existing bridge, then sliding the old spans to the side across beams, finally sliding the new ones into place. Careful attention was paid to fish and wildlife throughout the process, including relocation of any osprey nest.
Watch a video of the bridge replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YhsS5nEKGo
