Trains rolling on new triple track in Longview, Wash.

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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BNSF

A new third track between Kelso and Longview Junction, Wash., is operational and provides expanded capacity for both passenger and freight trains.

The project rids the route of a chokepoint that was formed by freight traffic coming in and out of the Port of Longview that blocked on main line track limiting operations to a single track. The project allows for the separation of freight and passenger rail traffic, which the Washington State Department of Transportation says reduces congestion, as well as passenger/freight rail conflicts, improves reliability for both and allows for better movement of people and goods through the corridor.

Preliminary engineering began the project in 2012 and it was declared operationally complete in March. According to BNSF’s “Inside Track” newsletter, the project included the construction of approximately 3.7 miles of third main line track, new turnouts and crossovers and the removal of existing turnouts; construction of a new single-track bridge over the Coweeman River and installation of a maintenance walkway on the existing Coweeman River Bridge; construction of a new rail bridge over a private road and construction of a retaining wall and other utility, grading and embankment improvements.

 

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