Latest from BNSF

When fire destroyed a 120‑year‑old bridge on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad earlier this summer, BNSF’s Kasie Howland didn’t hesitate to step in. The general director of line maintenance, who calls herself a “bridge nerd,” volunteered her time and expertise to help the nonprofit railroad plan its next steps. The April 30th fire consumed nearly…

For the second straight year, BNSF Railway awarded the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) with the “Tracking to Zero” award. This award is presented to states that average fewer than one grade crossing incident per one million BNSF train miles traveled in their respective jurisdictions. Idaho also received this award in 2024, the inaugural year of…

What began in 2020 as a small BMX youth team supported by local parents and a bike shop in Kent, Washington, has grown into Cycle Therapy Racing—a nonprofit co-founded by BNSF Switchman Brent Azus. “Six months after the nonprofit label was approved, we started resonating with folks who use cycling for therapy and mental health,”…

After noting that most people are visual learners, roadmaster Cameron Henderson began exploring how to integrate visual techniques into BNSF’s safety programs. “If I read a manual, even out loud, only a small amount of the population (35%) will absorb it because they are audible learners,” Henderson explained. “However, when I point my finger in…

Reading is essential, and the Rotary Club of Sandpoint is making sure kids have the tools to succeed. Every June, they host the CHAFE 150, a 150-mile bike ride fundraiser that fuels programs designed to instill a lifelong love of reading. The full route takes riders through the breathtaking landscapes of Idaho and Montana’s Rocky…

State regulators have approved nearly $20,000 in grant funding to improve safety at Sunset Junction, just west of downtown Spokane. The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is using the funds to buy 470 feet of tamper-resistant fencing, which BNSF crews will install at three high-risk trespassing spots. By closing these access points, the project aims…

BNSF’s Site Certification Program helps businesses set up and grow rail-served facilities, creating jobs and boosting local economies. We’ve added four new certified sites—three in Washington and one in Springfield, Missouri—giving our customers even more great options to build and expand. “We’re excited to announce these new locations to our growing list of certified sites…

In the early 1900s, railroad visionary James J. Hill, the force behind the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railroads, saw a unique opportunity. The Columbia River Gorge provided an ideal but underused rail route, allowing him to build a more efficient connection between Spokane, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. This became the Spokane, Portland & Seattle…

Each year, BNSF Railway helps keep communities safe by offering free training to first responders across our 32,500-mile rail network. We know that being prepared and following proper procedures are key to reducing risk, and we value the work that local fire departments, emergency managers, and emergency responders do to protect us. This summer, we…

The Boundary County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office just got a new weapon to fight crime… and she’s adorable! Meet Mika, a female chocolate Lab trained in drug detection and the newest member of the county K9 team. Mika will partner with School Resource Officer Corporal Greg Reynolds, joining Sergeant Mike Valenzuela and his drug detection unit…

Every day, the BNSF family looks for ways to give back to the communities where we live and work. In Sandpoint, Idaho, our team has been fortunate to volunteer and contribute to local programs for many years. Recently, we had the chance to support Creations, a local nonprofit that offers educational art classes, drop-in studio…

Agriculture and BNSF Railway go way back—since the 1800s, in fact. For generations, we’ve teamed up with farmers, producers, distributors, and everyone in between to keep America’s food and energy supply strong. So, it’s no surprise that many of our employees come from rural areas with deep ties to the industry. Meet Tim Fanning, an…

In the northwestern corner of Idaho, there’s a lesser-known spot making a big impact—the Hauser refueling facility. For 20 years now, it has been quietly helping to keep freight moving smoothly throughout the Northwest. Since it opened two decades ago, this facility has played a key role in quickly servicing and refueling locomotives along one…

Spokane, the largest city on BNSF’s northern transcontinental rail line, has a rich history tightly entwined with railroading in the Pacific Northwest. Since the arrival of BNSF predecessors like the Northern Pacific in 1881, Spokane has served as a pivotal center for the railroads. Known as the “Imperial City,” Spokane became a key gateway to…