BNSF Replaces the Washougal River Railroad Bridge

BNSF replaced its Washougal River Railroad Bridge in Camas, WA, using an innovative technique to replace the bridge spans. Rather than lifting new spans into place, they built spans right next to the bridge, slid the old spans to the side across beams, and then slid the new ones into place. The project was part

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BNSF Engineering Completes 7-year ARRA Program in Washington State

BNSF recently put the final spike in a 7-year program that included 14 complex projects in Washington. These projects, mainly funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), focused on enhancing passenger rail service and ensuring a consistent level of freight operations through the region. With a budget of nearly $480 million in federal funds, BNSF

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Inspecting Our Network and Equipment

BNSF regularly and rigorously inspects our network and equipment to ensure we continue to run a safe, reliable railroad. Our efforts include routine visual inspections by more than 650 trained and experienced track inspectors who patrol miles of track. BNSF also uses special rail cars equipped with ultrasonic detection and other technologies to look for

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BNSF Begins Major Bridge Replacement Project in Southwest Washington

BNSF recently completed the first of two phases to replace the Camas Bridge in southwest Washington. “The team replaced the bridge’s 100-year-old truss with a new concrete approach span and 1.3 million pound truss,” said Mike Herzog, director of bridge construction.   The Camas Bridge spans the Washougal River on BNSF’s Fallbridge Subdivision in southwest Washington. Approximately 15

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WSDOT Project Expands Rail Capacity at Kalama and Longview

As part of a Washington State Department of Transportation project (WSDOT), the first trains are now safely operating over the new third main rail line at Longview. Prior to completion, freight rail traffic arriving and departing from the Ports of Kalama and Longview frequently blocked one main line track for extended periods of time limiting

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BNSF Investing $3.4 Billion Across its System

BNSF’s 2017 capital expenditure plan will be about $3.4 billion, which will include $175 million that will be invested in Washington state. “Each year we establish a capital plan that reflects the future needs of our customers and the constant need to keep our infrastructure in good working condition. This year’s capital plan ensures we

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BNSF Partners with Corn Processors to Expand Capacity

Central Washington Corn Processors (CWCP) held a grand opening in November for its new rail loop and grain-handling facility in Richland, which will expand its capacity to handle commodities. The facility is sited on a 25-acre parcel leased by the City of Richland and includes a 95,480-square-foot building and an 8,600-foot, full-loop track to accommodate

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Doubling Up On Track, Reduces Down Time

Here’s how BNSF lays double track on a solid foundation. Double track increases the network’s capacity by giving train dispatchers more options when directing traffic and by allowing planned maintenance to happen on one track while the other track is still in operation.

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How BNSF Inspectors Keep Rail Bridges Safe

BNSF Railway’s bridge inspectors know that safety affects everyone in the communities where we operate and the people who work at the railroad. They take the responsibilities of their job personally. Watch the video by clicking above.

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Investing in Washington

BNSF is investing nearly $220 million in Washington this year. Our plan is focused on maintenance projects that ensure we continue operating a safe and reliable network and support growing customer demand. The largest component of this year’s capital plan in the state will be replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast. Regular maintenance

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How a Rail Network is Like a Circulatory System

Just like your own circulatory system, BNSF’s rail network requires proactive and planned maintenance to keep things moving. Scheduled doctor’s visits give you information about how to prevent future illnesses; similarly, frequent, in-depth inspections help BNSF identify where we need to focus efforts to ensure rail safety and reliability. BNSF’s planned maintenance commitment is essential

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