BNSF takes every precaution to make sure that all track components including rail, crossties, spikes, bolts and plates and even the roadbed underlying the track are stable and dependable. One of the technologies used for inspecting tracks is its fleet of geometry cars, better known as “geo cars.”
There are two types: the traditional geometry car, which is supported by personnel onboard the consist, and an unmanned version that does not have personnel onboard. On average, BNSF’s geo car fleet annually covers up to 400,000 track miles, with the unmanned cars able to operate 24/7.
Onboard sensors, including cameras, lasers, radar and machine vision systems survey the track structure passing beneath to find a variety of flaws, some imperceptible to the human eye. Data generated by the test cars is processed using algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze hundreds of millions of bytes of data and determine when and where track maintenance is needed.
Environmental Protection on Track with BNSF Railway
Rail is the most sustainable way to move goods long distances over land, and BNSF is a recognized leader. Here are just a few ways BNSF makes sure its railroad is part of the solution for a cleaner, healthier planet:
Cleaner, Smarter Machines: No other form of land freight transportation is more fuel- and resource-efficient than rail, which accounts for more than 40 percent of long-distance freight volumes in the U.S.
Helping Customers Make Green Choices: BNSF provides a carbon calculator method that shows customers just how much they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by putting their shipments on rail instead of the highway.
Ongoing Innovation: BNSF is continuously working on ways to lower emissions. A great example of these efforts is the development and testing of a 100-percent battery-electric locomotive.
Learn about more ways BNSF keeps operations green here.
New Bridge Work Continues in Sandpoint, ID
Work continues on pile installation for the new bridge over Lake Pend Oreille. In the coming two months, expect to see continued pile installation, permanent pile bracing installation, and the first pier caps set. The new Bridge Street rail bridge is completed, and no more road closures are planned for this access to City Beach. Steel fabrication for the bridge at Sand Creek is underway in Spokane, WA, and fabrication for precast concrete pier caps and beams is underway at two Knife River locations.
As the summer pool fill up has commenced, access through the Sand Creek channel for boaters will not be impeded. Learn more about our Sand Point Junction Connector Project here.
BNSF Employee Spotlight: Israel Salazar
Across its network, BNSF is grappling with an overwhelming increase in homeless encampments along the tracks and on railroad property. In response, BNSF created a community liaison position focused solely on addressing system-wide homeless encampments on BNSF tracks.
Israel Salazar, a 26-year employee and BNSF Deputy Police Chief, has been the community liaison since 2017. Soon after taking on the role, he developed a plan, “Project Safe Distance,” to partner with communities to resolve homeless issues on and near BNSF Railway property. Salazar coordinates with local jurisdictions and service providers across our service territory to find safer places for the homeless, help connect them with services and resources, and dismantle encampments on railroad property.
BNSF values its partnerships with cities across the country as we work to keep our communities safe. If you notice a homeless encampment on railroad property, please contact us.
Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452
To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.
Have a Question for Us?
Do you have a question about BNSF or rail in the Pacific Northwest that you would like addressed in future issues of Inside Track? Send them to [email protected].