Heavy Rainfall Causes BNSF Subdivision Closures in Washington (Updated 12/22)
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Mt. Vernon Bridge over the Skagit River in Washington.
BNSF
EVERETT, Wash. - 10 to 17 inches of rain inundated western Washington, causing moderate to major flooding along BNSF's subdivisions with multiple out of service. Crews are working to repair damage and resume operations.
The rainfall last week pushed rivers into the moderate to major flood stages, says BNSF. As a result of mudslides, flooding, and related damage, BNSF subdivisions were out of service. The Class I said December 11 that its Scenic Subdivision and Stampede Subdivision were closed, and the Bellingham Subdivision was out of service for “flood mitigation efforts” in collaboration with Mt. Vernon city officials. It was also monitoring its Seattle Subdivision.
In response, BNSF deployed crews to its impacted subdivisions to monitor for potential washouts and to restore service.
Before and After Map
As of December 12, the Scenic Subdivision was returned to service with the Bellingham Subdivision planned to reopen in the afternoon. Sumas Subdivision is still out of service with no access. The estimated time of reopening has not yet been shared. The Stampeded Subdivision is currently under repair with an anticipated reopening date by the end of the weekend, as of reporting.
December 17, 2025 Update
BNSF’s Scenic and Bellingham Subdivisions have reopened. Crews are continuing to monitor the area and working to restore service, says the Class I. The Stampede Subdivision does not currently have an estimated date of opening. The Sumas Subdivision is estimated to reopen on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
December 22, 2025 Update
BNSF has released a final update on the flooding impacts in Washington. The Sumas Subdivision, Stampede Subdivision, Scenic Subdivision, and Bellingham Subdivision are all now open.
