Re: Bridging the Valley
Author: Bruce Kelly
Date: 11-17-2011 - 07:57
Cut widening, etc., has been underway for months in the woods between Rathdrum and Ramsey. Rathdrum recently announced plans for a new Hwy 41/53 overpass. This will accommodate two additional mains, but BNSF's priority for now is to add just one main between Rathdrum and Athol, through Ramsey, which will eliminate one of the few remaining sections of single-main running on the Funnel.
The third main track from Spokane to Athol has been described as being more for UP traffic if the BTV Project's bigger plan of UP consolidating part of its SI route onto BNSF property ever materializes. That one is WAY out into the future.