Preserving Army History

The histories of the U.S. Army and the railroad are intertwined by mutual dedication to serving the American people. To honor the long-time partnership between the Army and BNSF, the BNSF Railway Foundation donated $50,000 to the Army Historical Foundation toward the creation of the National Museum of the United States Army. The museum officially

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BNSF Benefits from the Wisdom and Experience of Veterans

While resilience, fortitude, and the ability to adapt to challenging situations are always valued qualities, a year like 2020 has made these qualities essential.  BNSF recently held conversations with three employees in the Pacific Northwest who are veterans and whose experiences and “can do” attitudes make them uniquely qualified to thrive in the face of

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BNSF Provides Support to Tribal Nations Weathering 2020

Tribal nations throughout the Pacific Northwest have suffered greatly this year, not only because of COVID-19, they have also been impacted by wildfires that ravaged hundreds of thousands of acres of tribal lands. The BNSF Railway Foundation and BNSF Tribal Relations Director Quanah Spencer have actively sought opportunities to help, such as making a donation

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Creating a More Efficient Fleet

Locomotive technology has been essential to improving our network fuel efficiency—94% of BNSF’s emissions come from our locomotives. As such, we have made a significant investment in three key areas of locomotive technology: new locomotives, Automatic Engine Start/Stop (AESS) systems and Energy Management Systems (EMS). BNSF is proud to have the largest number of the

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Supporting Our Communities

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Giving Hope and Help to Homeless Women Elizabeth Gregory Home in Seattle received a $5,000 grant from BNSF Railway Foundation to help women navigate out of homelessness. The

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Salmon Bay Rail Bridge Repairs Are Essential for Freight and Marine Traffic

Since the early 1900s, the BNSF Salmon Bay Rail Bridge has enabled freight and passenger trains to cross the Lake Washington Ship Canal in Seattle. Commercial and recreational vessels pass under the bridge as they navigate between Lake Union and Puget Sound. Over the years, BNSF has invested millions to extend the operational life of

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Tour a BNSF Train…Virtually!

Ever wanted to get a closer look at a locomotive, a covered hopper or a centerbeam flatcar? These are just a few of the railcars that can be explored in three dimensions in BNSF’s virtual tour. Hop aboard the tour for unique views of the major types of BNSF railcars. Every day, BNSF Railway operates

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BNSF and North Idaho Emergency Response Training

In September, local emergency response officials coordinated with BNSF to practice deploying an oil containment boom on Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, Idaho. A containment boom is a floating barrier used to contain an oil spill. Between BNSF, Montana Rail Link and Avista Utilities, approximately 24,000 feet of boom are located within two hours of

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Supporting Our Communities

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Providing Critical Food and Medical Supplies BNSF Railway Foundation contributed $30,000 to the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council(NWTEMC) and National Tribal Emergency Management Council for critically needed food

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Rail Safety Week: A Reminder to Use Caution Year Round

Did you know that it can take more than a mile for a freight train to stop? Promoting train track safety is an essential part of BNSF’s operation and culture. That’s why BNSF actively seeks ways to educate about rail safety such as partnering with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. to observe Rail Safety Week and Operation

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BNSF Helps Battle Evans Canyon Fire

One of BNSF’s two specially equipped firefighting trains joined the nearly 1,000 firefighters and impressive array of machines in the fight against the recent Evans Canyon Fire. Each train can take firefighters to hard-to-reach hot spots, carries 30,000 gallons of water and uses hoses to shoot water up to 30 feet away. The trains are

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How BNSF Solved Big Engineering Challenges

From finding passage through the Rocky Mountains, to building the 7.9-mile Cascade Tunnel, to constructing the Argentine Flyover in Kansas City, BNSF’s engineers have conquered impressive challenges in order to keep trains—and customers’ goods—safely moving. These engineering marvels also played a key role in connecting the country. Without a railroad, fledgling towns in the developing

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BNSF Successfully Completes Drano Bridge Replacement

Recently, the 113-year-old Drano Bridge was replaced by a 360-foot-long, 2.7-million-pound steel structure constructed in Vancouver WA and floated down the Columbia River by barge. With careful planning and the help of about 50 construction workers, the newest bridge on BNSF Railway’s Columbia River Gorge line was installed within 36 hours and is now carrying

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Supporting Our Communities

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Protecting Land for Recreation and Wildlife Forterra is a Washington-based nonprofit that enhances, supports, and stewards the region’s most precious resources: its communities and its ecosystems. In its 30-year

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BNSF Unveils 25th Anniversary Locomotives

BNSF recently introduced the first of 10 locomotives with special paint schemes marking the railroad’s 25th anniversary. The General Electric ES44AC No. 5828 now displays a “25th Anniversary” label on the nose and side, as well as logos of predecessor railroads: Burlington Northern; Santa Fe; Great Northern; Northern Pacific; Spokane, Portland & Seattle; Colorado &

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