BNSF: California Congestion Relief Project Moving Forward
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
BNSF will add approximately 4.3 miles of new fourth main track to eliminate bottlenecks to the San Bernardino (Calif.) Intermodal Facility, located at 1535 W. 4th Street. (Map Courtesy of BNSF)
BNSF is advancing a project to expedite the flow of trains at its San Bernardino (Calif.) Intermodal Facility.
The Class I railroad reported June 8 that “the San Bernardino City Council voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for BNSF’s proposed gap closure project.” The project is slated to add approximately 4.3 miles of new fourth main track in two segments along the current BNSF corridor from the BNSF overpass at State Street/University Parkway to the intermodal facility, located at 1535 W. 4th Street.
The work will not only eliminate track bottlenecks that have forced trains to wait to enter the facility, but also “enhance goods movement for this critical BNSF east-west route that connects the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with the rest of the nation,” BNSF said. As a result, train idling will be reduced by 43%, with commensurate noise and air quality improvements, it added. BNSF is also investing in new and enhanced roadways with new sidewalks and lighting, as well as stormwater, drainage and other improvements.
With the EIR approved, the project now moves into final design/engineering, with construction expected to wrap up by 2024.
BNSF’s $3.55 billion capital investment plan for 2022 allocated $283 million to projects in California—including the San Bernardino Intermodal Facility.
“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,” BNSF Group Vice President-Consumer Products Business Group Tom Williams said.
