Pilawt Wrote:
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> I get what 'F', 'P' and 'T' mean on speed boards
> ("Freight", "Passenger" and "Talgo" respectively).
> But on BNSF MP 0.5 just north of Portland Union
> Station a new "K-35" board has just gone up.
> What's the 'K'?
>

A new speed sign for Key Trains was created to notify train crews of approaching speed restriction areas. In March, 2015, BNSF implemented voluntary safety actions and additional special handling instructions for Key Trains, including a municipal area speed restriction of 35 mph in municipal areas for all Key Trains.

Instructions supporting the use of Key Train signs were added to the General Code of Operating Rules (BNSF edition GCOR) effective Sept. 1, 2015 after which time sign installations began. Now large municipal areas are used to determine affected milepost limits for all Key Trains and are designated by general order or timetable special instructions. Signs are installed similarly to existing speed restriction signs, such as those for passenger, freight and Talgo trains. Figures on Key Train signs are preceded by the letter “K-” to indicate that the speed restriction applies to all Key Trains.