February 2018

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FEBRUARY 2018

BNSF to invest $160 million in Washington projects

BNSF Railway plans to invest $160 million in Washington this year to ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network. The largest component of maintenance plan will be for replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast, which are the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate.

This year, the maintenance program in Washington includes:

Approximately 490 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work
Replacement of about 40 miles of rail and close to 230,000 ties
Install new double-track between Washougal and Mt. Pleasant
Begin to install new double-track along the Spokane Subdivision between Hauser, Idaho and Spokane.
Two bridge replacement projects in Home Valley and North Bonneville
Construction of a new unloading track and additional parking capacity at the Orillia Automotive Facility

Since 2012, BNSF has invested approximately $940 million to expand and maintain its network in Washington state.

The 2018 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program. These investments include $2.4 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $500 million on expansion and efficiency projects and $100 million for continued implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). BNSF is the only Class I freight railroad to have completed the installation of PTC on all its federally mandated subdivisions and is currently running hundreds of trains daily with PTC as it tests the system across its mandated territory.

Helping kids get “up close” to animals

With Blueberry, the knobbed hornbill ambassador looking on, BNSF Railway donated $20,000 to Woodland Park Zoo to help fund their Up CLOSE program. Up CLOSE is the Zoo’s ambassador animal outreach program. Designed for various age groups, Up CLOSE brings the zoo and environmental education programs to schools and community organizations. With a goal of getting students excited about the natural world and build empathy towards animals, BNSF’s contribution will help more communities/schools experience this valuable program.

To learn more about the program or to sign up click here!

To learn more about Blueberry (who turns 21 this year) and all the other animal ambassadors click here.

BNSF Railway Foundation donates $150,000 to Spokane Riverfront Park

BNSF Railway Foundation helped Spokane Mayor David Condon kick off a fundraising campaign for the Spokane Riverfront Park by donating $150,000. Mayor Condon is looking to raise $2 million for the next phases of the Spokane Riverfront Park reinvention. Originally the site was home to the 1974 Worlds Fair and is a top destination in Spokane.

To learn more about the reinvention taking place at the Spokane Riverfront Park, click here!

Did you know?

Rail is the most environmentally sound way to move goods over land

Trains, on average, are four times more fuel efficient than trucks. That means that moving freight by rail instead of trucks reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 75%.
If just 5% of freight moved by truck traveled by rail instead, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by approximately nine million tons.
In 2015, railroads moved, on average, one ton of goods 468 miles on a single gallon of fuel.

Freight rail innovations help the environment

Freight railroads have purchased thousands of new, more efficient locomotives, including many “Gensets” that have several independent engines that turn on and off depending on how much power is needed to perform a particular task. New, highly advanced computer software systems can calculate the most fuel-efficient speed for a train over a given route, determine the most efficient spacing and timing of trains on a railroad’s system, and monitor locomotive functions and performance to ensure peak efficiency.

The Great Northern Corridor

Constructed in the late 1800s, the Great Northern Railway was the only transcontinental railroad built using no federal money or land donations. Over the last 100 years, the Great Northern Railway has merged with other railroads bringing us to the present name, BNSF Railway.

The east-west corridor runs from Chicago to several ports in the Pacific Northwest. More than 38 million Americans rely on this artery to support their businesses including farmers, miners, manufacturing, energy production, and other commerce.

Go to the Great Northern Corridor website to learn more about this vital link.

Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452

To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.

Have a Question for Us?

Do you have a question about BNSF or rail in the Pacific Northwest that you would like addressed in future issues of Inside Track? Send them to [email protected].

We welcome your feedback and ideas!

Visit www.bnsfnorthwest.com