BNSF Idaho Track Project 2017

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tkchris

New Member
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
 
Basic grading is complete. Soft understructure still being excavated near E Ramsey.
Cut widening at Rathdrum underway.
Heavy equipment widening pad for crossovers at E Hauser.
Main-Track 3 being installed on both ends of Hauser Fuel Depot. Currently Fuel 3 is not a main-track, but connects back to the yard-leads midway. The new MT3 will go all the way from the W Hauser plant to the fuel pads, and likewise on the east end. Ties are already laid out on both alignments. Unknown if the yard-lead connector tracks will remain for hosteling power inside YL. E Hauser will be reconfigured to allow parallel movements in/out of the depot.
Hard to get pictures without trespassing and there is work in progress 7 days a week so workers are always present.
 




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