Badger Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So the current BNSF northern transcon is original
> GN trackage/esp in Montana, correct?
>
> That makes the MRL pretty much old NP track. So
> where did the BN remove the double trackage?why is
> Homestake Pass sitting rust? Does it have any
> strategic value to keep there rusting away. Would
> it belong to BNSF or MRL?

Uncle Dave will know more. RE: Double track, below is from a news article:

"Northern Pacific crews finished installing the last section of double track from Missoula to Garrison in August 1909. Eastbound traffic went on the south track, and westbound trains took the north track. Almost all of one track was removed in 1959.

"Traffic on the MRL line jumped from 14.1 trains each day in 2014 to 20.1 last year, and is expected to keep climbing if track clearance allows. As it amps up there’s pressure to reduce wait time in yards at Missoula, Helena, Livingston and Laurel, Lewis said.

"Unit trains carrying all one commodity such as coal or grain stretch for more than a mile. Longer sidings help the flow but also allow for even more cars per train."

Full article (You may need to disable your adblocker): [missoulian.com]