SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The San Bernardino City Council has certified the environmental impact report for a BNSF Railway project to add 4.3 miles of a fourth main line through the city, closing two gaps to serve the railroad’s intermodal facility in the city.
“We’re pleased that this project is moving forward, as it reflects our continued commitment to improve efficiency for our customers, while providing important benefits to the local community,” Tom Williams, group vice president, Consumer Products Business Group, said in a press release.
The railroad says the additional track will reduce train idling in the area by 43%, bringing noise and air quality improvements. The project also includes roadway, sidewalk, lighting and drainage improvements. With the city council’s approval, the project advances to final design and engineering. Construction is expected to be complete by 2024.
That’s one more track to park trains waiting for their crew (many of which massively resigned over the Hi-Viz policy).
What business is it of the city what the railriad does?
Believe it was reported that BNSF was low bidder on Phoenix AZ property to expand container service and logistics there as well. As Gerald noted, BNSF seems to understand that you have to spend money to make money.
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Shooting from the hip and not sure if even remotely feasible but would it make sense for BNSF to team up with Brightline West if the new rail is layed to Las Vegas. Give UP a run for their money in an expanding metro area. It would give them direct access from Port of LA/Long Beach at a time were both ports are spending heavily to expand container to rail on dock service.
Brightline West is a Tier 3, real high-speed, traffic segregated railroad. So, no freight. But I do like where your mind is.
a fourth main track wow this will give railfans an opportunity for even more meets
You can’t say BNSF doesn’t spend money in their own infrastructure improvements…unlike the other carriers.