Idaho panel sets hearing on BNSF bridge proposal

BNSF Railway Co. has filed an application to construct a second train bridge next to and west of an existing train bridge across Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek in Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Lands has scheduled public hearings on the application for May 23, according to a department press release.

BNSF's project will include new bridges over Sand Creek and Bridge Street in Sandpoint, according to BNSF's March 2018 "Inside Track" newsletter.

The new infrastructure is necessary to provide the capacity BNSF needs to meet current traffic and future growth of the commodities that the Class I transports, BNSF officials said in the newsletter. The infrastructure also will support Amtrak trains that operate on BNSF's main line.

"When completed, trains will run in both directions across the bridges, reducing the need for trains to stop as they wait for clearance to cross," the newsletter stated. "The result will be reduced congestion, enhanced safety, shorter wait times at crossings, and improved service to our customers."