advertisement

---

Last month, BNSF Railway Co. loaded an average of 47.9 coal trains per day in the Powder River Basin (PRB), setting a monthly record and breaking its average daily train loadings high-water mark set in January.

During the first quarter, the railroad loaded a total of 67.4 million tons of coal, a 5.5 percent increase compared with the same 2005 period. In addition, BNSF and joint PRB line partner Union Pacific Railroad loaded 3.1 percent (3.3 million tons) more coal in the quarter on a year-over-year basis. The Class Is’ total daily loadings averaged 64.4 trains compared with 64.1 trains in first-quarter 2005.

BNSF also made progress on several maintenance-of-way projects in March. Crews began laying more than 18 miles of third main track along the line and completed two yard tracks near Bill, Wyo. BNSF workers also installed a turnout at Donkey Creek and began assembling yard tracks.