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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Lighting Upgrades Save Energy and Provide Piece of Mind

In early April, installers from the City of Spokane began replacing outdated lights with energy-efficient, Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures in under-lit railroad underpasses between Stevens and Walnut. In addition to energy efficiency, the new fixtures will emit a clearer white light, increasing visibility and providing a safer and more secure passage underneath the railroad

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BNSF Moves Record Grain Volume to the PNW

Nothing we do at BNSF is more important than helping businesses move products safely to their customers.  In Washington and Oregon, those shipments support NW flour mills, dairy, poultry and beef industries. By helping farmers and producers access new and multiple markets than locally available, we are helping rural communities expand their presence. BNSF moved

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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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Spotlight: Oregon

BNSF Railway plays an important role in Oregon’s economy. Our 32,500-mile network helps Oregonians stay connected to the world. We serve timber and agricultural exporters by delivering their products to domestic markets and by linking them to markets around the globe. From appliances and electronics to clothing and food, we also transport the products that

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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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BNSF is Prepared and Ready for the Winter

Well before winter arrives, BNSF evaluates its winter action plans to ensure that resources and procedures are in place to address extreme weather conditions. During this process, teams examine their current procedures, priorities and responsibilities to determine whether adjustments are needed based on past experience and each division’s unique climate. As of today, all 10

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Washington Landslide Prevention

With the rainy season underway here in the Northwest, landslides can become a major concern along rail lines.  Since 2013, BNSF has worked with WSDOT and 16 other agencies on the Landslide Mitigation Work Group. This group has researched historical slide locations and causes along coastal bluffs and used that data to identify six project

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BNSF Launches New, Faster Intermodal Service between Pacific Northwest and Texas

Beginning Monday, Sept. 12, BNSF Railway (BNSF) will offer intermodal customers a new service option to move freight between the Pacific Northwest and Texas. Shippers who move commodities and a wide range of consumer goods between Portland, Ore., or Seattle and Dallas/Fort Worth (AllianceTexas) will now be able to reduce their transit times by up

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Despite Field Hearing Rhetoric, Freight Rail Drives Trade to Washington

The following comes from Matthew K. Rose, Executive Chairman, BNSF Railway: The historic level of BNSF investment, particularly on Washington’s “Great Northern” line and BNSF’s commitment to safety requires that I write to correct the inaccurate impression of BNSF service and safety as reflected in the record of a recent Senate Energy Committee field hearing. Starting with

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BNSF & Crude-By-Rail Safety

John Lovenburg, Vice President — Environmental for BNSF, recently penned this guest column in the Olympian on our commitment to safety. Rail industry works hard to improve safety Rail transport is vital to Washington’s economy — $28.5 billion each year in positive economic impact, according to a recent study by the Washington Council on International

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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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New Capital Investments for Washington

BNSF plans to invest nearly $220 million in Washington as part of its 2016 capital expenditure program. These investments will help increase reliability and safety, while also keeping pace with growing demand for rail transport. Over the past three years, BNSF has invested more than $550 million in Washington. Improving rail networks in Washington not

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Economic Growth Through Rail Investments

BNSF customers and local economic development organizations invested $1.2 billion in new or expanded facilities network-wide in 2015. Agricultural facilities have seen significant investments in Washington state. BNSF partnered with Preferred Freezer Service in Richland, owners of the largest new temperature controlled warehouse in North America, to help distribute frozen potato products. The new warehouse

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