BNSF takes proactive measures to keep routes open during flooding

Written by jrood

BNSF has faced many weather challenges since late last year. From record snowfall in the northern part of its network last winter to record runoff from the Missouri and Souris rivers causing extraordinary flooding, BNSF has experienced natural disasters that have affected its facilities, track, equipment and people. In the most significant incident, one of its busiest corridors along the Missouri River, the St. Joseph Subdivision, was completely severed by the widespread flooding. Current service issues follow: • The St. Joseph subdivision is out of service east of Rulo, Neb. • The Napier subdivision is out of service between Napier, Mo., and Pacific Jct., Iowa. • The Omaha subdivision is out of service from milepost 13 in Omaha south to milepost 7 as a result of flood levees erected over the track to protect the City of Omaha. The subdivision is still open from Lincoln to Omaha via Ashland, Nebraska. • The Atchison Branch is out of service south of St. Joseph, Mo. Proactive Measures: St. Joseph subdivision - BNSF is raising the track east of Rulo, Neb., and is restoring and strengthening several bridges in an effort to re-open the route between Lincoln and Kansas City. Devils Lake subdivision - BNSF has rebuilt and repaired the track east of Minot near Towner, N.D. to restore service on this route. Glasgow subdivision - BNSF raised the track a total of 5 feet in order to remain in service. Over 300 cars of ballast and rip rap were used to raise and fortify the track. Creston subdivision - BNSF raised two mainline tracks up to 8 feet in order to remain in service. Levees have been built to six feet above top of rail along both sides of the track and portions of the roadbed have been armored with rip rap. BNSF has filled 160,000 sandbags to be used on the levees if needed.

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