Media Kit » Try RailPrime™ Today! »
Progressive Railroading
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.




railPrime
View Current Digital Issue »



Rail News Home Maintenance Of Way

1/17/2007



Rail News: Maintenance Of Way

BNSF to condense California trackwork into four-week project


advertisement


It isn’t your typical two-week track maintenance blitz, but it’s close. BNSF Railway Co. plans to complete a $17.5 million track maintenance project between Bakersfield and Fresno, Calif., in four weeks instead of several months.

Between Jan. 17 and Feb. 20, crews will install eight miles of rail and 77,150 wood ties along the mainline, upgrade 15 grade crossings, resurface 100 track miles and undercut four track miles.

BNSF plans to assign 350 workers from various parts of the railroad to the project — a move that will cost more than $700,000 in lodging and food expenses. The railroad will close the line six hours each day to perform trackwork.

“This concentrated program allows BNSF to perform a large number of track upgrades in a compressed time,” said General Director of Line Maintenance Don Dill in a prepared statement. “The end result will be … improved ride quality for Amtrak passenger trains and improved track structure to support greater velocity for freight movements.”