In rain, shine or deep freeze, BNSF continues to move our customers’ freight. It can be tough for metal track switches to move when temperatures dip well below zero. In order to keep trains moving in the right direction, ice and snow that might be stuck in switches needs to be cleared from the tracks.
But from Minnesota to Washington State, there’s no need for BNSF crews to torch the tracks. Propane-fueled switch heaters automatically blow hot air onto the tracks to thaw them out. Across our rail network, more than 3,000 switch heaters help battle the elements. This winter-preparedness technology allows us to keep rail temperatures above freezing so we can continue to operate safely during inclement weather.
