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Rolling toward a greener future
At BNSF, we are constantly striving to improve our environmental performance. We want to highlight a few examples from our recent sustainability report. Did you know:
- Freight rail relieves urban traffic congestion and reduces carbon and other emissions. In fact, BNSF customers reduced their collective carbon footprint by 34 million metric tons in 2015, equal to removing the emissions produced by seven million cars in a year.
- We have the newest and cleanest locomotive fleet in North America, with roughly 40 percent of our locomotives purchased as new in the past 10 years. This has contributed to an approximate 12 percent efficiency improvement in that same period.
- More than 2,000 wayside detectors installed across the BNSF network collect data 24/7 year-round, alerting us to potential safety issues such as high-impact wheels, overheated bearings and damaged or worn components. BNSF is developing a system to leverage this data to proactively predict issues before they occur. Predictive maintenance will allow sufficient time for intervention and prevent incidents from occurring.
- We’re the first U.S. rail carrier to use widespan electric cranes, which produce zero emissions on-site and significantly reduce the number of trucks needed to move containers in the rail yard. They also generate electricity when lowering a container or trailer, which recharges internal batteries and conserves electricity. These cranes are in use at BNSF intermodal facilities in Seattle.
- More than 95 percent of our locomotives are equipped with automatic engine start/stop devices, which shut down locomotives to prevent unnecessary idling. These devices help reduce yearly fuel usage by thousands of gallons for each locomotive.
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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. Click on the video below to see more.
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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 sites in Mukilteo and Everett.
BNSF, working as a WSDOT contractor, has completed many projects for the Work Group including:
- Retaining walls to catch landslide debris before it hits rail tracks
- Slide detection fences to provide early warnings of active landslides
- Improved drainage systems
- Erosion control
The Working Group also meets with local governments and private property owners to identify ways to prevent slides on their property.
Reducing landslides is important to maintaining rail service, especially for Amtrak passengers and Sound Transit Sounder commuters. BNSF’s operating guidelines restrict passenger rail service for 48 hours after a slide.
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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 of BNSF’s operating divisions have reviewed their winter action plans.
BNSF’s winter preparations include:
- Training employees to work safely in extreme cold temperatures
- Activating 24×7 command centers where key personnel coordinate the safe and efficient movement of freight in extreme weather conditions
- Activating Mechanical and Engineering Rapid Responders across BNSF’s network who are solely devoted to resolving service interruptions
- Setting procedures for crew transport
- Taking inventory of, testing and positioning snow removal equipment and supplies, including salt and emergency generators
- Adjusting train size and speed to operate safely and efficiently in extreme weather conditions
- Preparing locomotives for winter weather by stabilizing their operating temperatures by transferring more heat to engines to prevent freezing
- Additional switch heaters at key locations, bringing total count to nearly 3,000 to ensure remote controlled rail switches do not freeze
- Air dryers installed on all new locomotives to help prevent freezing brake lines
No matter how inclement the weather is this winter, BNSF is doing everything it can to be prepared when challenges come our way to ensure freight is moved reliably, safely and efficiently.
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Railroad safety tips
Simply learning basic railroad safety information has reduced the number of collisions at grade crossings by 83% since 1972. Thousands of lives have been saved because they had the information they needed to avoid collisions.
Here are some safety tips to make sure we all stay safe:
- Trains are always closer and moving faster than it appears.
- Today’s trains are quieter than ever. Texting, wearing headphones, and other distractions can prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
- Trains cannot stop fast enough to avoid a collision. It takes a train over a mile to come to a complete stop.
- Railroad bridges and tunnels are extremely dangerous. Never walk on a bridge or enter a tunnel.
- Don’t stop too close to tracks when a crossing gate is down. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further.
- Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals.
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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.
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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!
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