BNSF is extending 2 main-tracks from Athol, ID MP 33.5 to Rathdrum, ID MP 44.5 to be completed by mid November. A double crossover about MP 35 is included as will be track changes at E Hauser MP 45.6 to allow entry into the yard and fuel depot from either main track. Ramsey Siding MP 36.7-38.7 will be absorbed.
Keer Constructioin (KC) arrived on site May 8, has heavy equipment already cutting dirt on the north side of the main between Athol MP 33.5 and E Ramsey MP 36.7. No sign of work between W Ramsey MP 38.7 and Rathdrum MP 44.5 at this time. Not much survey marking in place there yet either. Suspect the Athol to CP 35 crossover to E Ramsey will be cut in first and once in service the west end of the work will be done.
The Rathdrum end of things involves 4th Street crossing at grade in the city and likely will take more planning, patience and politics. Not sure if the 'cut' east of Rathdrum will have to be widened significantly. The ID Highway 41/53 overpass reconstructed last year by the state, was done so with sufficient clearance to accommodate 2MT. The other public grade crossings of interest are Ramsey Road, and Brunner Road.
After the Rathdrum - Athol 2MT are cut in, only the couple miles on the shore of Cocolalla Lake and the bridge across Lake Pend Orielle will be single main choke points.
BNSF has also confirmed that it is again pursuing a 2nd bridge across Lake Pend Orielle at Sandpoint. That will be an incredibly politically charged situation.
Tim Christensen
Otis Orchards, WA
Keer Constructioin (KC) arrived on site May 8, has heavy equipment already cutting dirt on the north side of the main between Athol MP 33.5 and E Ramsey MP 36.7. No sign of work between W Ramsey MP 38.7 and Rathdrum MP 44.5 at this time. Not much survey marking in place there yet either. Suspect the Athol to CP 35 crossover to E Ramsey will be cut in first and once in service the west end of the work will be done.
The Rathdrum end of things involves 4th Street crossing at grade in the city and likely will take more planning, patience and politics. Not sure if the 'cut' east of Rathdrum will have to be widened significantly. The ID Highway 41/53 overpass reconstructed last year by the state, was done so with sufficient clearance to accommodate 2MT. The other public grade crossings of interest are Ramsey Road, and Brunner Road.
After the Rathdrum - Athol 2MT are cut in, only the couple miles on the shore of Cocolalla Lake and the bridge across Lake Pend Orielle will be single main choke points.
BNSF has also confirmed that it is again pursuing a 2nd bridge across Lake Pend Orielle at Sandpoint. That will be an incredibly politically charged situation.
Tim Christensen
Otis Orchards, WA