So I was looking at google earth and noticed the college in Ellensburg pretty much built over the old ROW. Now that there is a bill pending in the legislature to extend the date by which the DOT can enter into a franchise agreement to operate the right of way from Ellensburg to Lind, BNSF is looking at this route as a possible way to increase capacity of its overburdened system. So if BNSF were to enter into some kind of an agreement, how do you think they'll connect to the ROW from there current track?
Greg- The rumor I'd heard- Their idea was to take off the BNSF south of Eburg, loop around, bridge across I-90, and back onto the Milw line somewhere near the old location named Regal. Talking a bunch of $$$$. But right now BNSF is in desperately bad shape for track capacity. They're shoving trains left and right through MRL. And storing others on MRL, or their own lines, without power. A big mess. With the limitations imposed by incredibly stupid decisions of the mid-1980's, they have immense regrets. (Those decisions were made in order to pump up appearances of profitability. Which is a temporary gain....) Those grotesque errors include: Severing the old GN east of Spokane. Which created the infamous "Funnel." Taking out the SP&S between Spokane and Pasco. Which they'd been operating the NP and SP&S as seperated double track. Leasing out MRL. Abandoning Snoqualmie Pass. They are at their outer limits everywhere for east-west traffic. Cascade Tunnel, Flathead Tunnel, The Funnel, and The Gorge are all choke points that cannot be overcome. So, something has to give. Soon. Boxcab E50
looking at that rumor...this makes me wonder which farmer is going to give up some of his land for track. I really don't see any open land there... well if an agreement is made i need to get back out to the ROW before BNSF starts digging/movings stuff around. The only plus side is seeing trains run through this part of the state even though it will be BNSF, and without my favorites...-2's as they are become less seen.
Greg- It won't matter where they decide to go, if this rumor ever comes to fruition. BNSF has the ability to eminent domain their way across anyone's land. And I'm certain in this case, the State would back their play. Although I'd hope they'll try less aggressive methods first. As such a fight could be costly, and negative PR abundant. Time will tell. If anything actually happens, it will likely be a few years down the road. Boxcab E50
Believe their idea was to bypass the Tri-Cities. Save on crew time, for trains that could simply run through to Spokane. I wonder how bad that grade west really is these days. With modern power, and their computer controlled traction, etc. As long as they'd assign enough HP......? Boxcab E50
They would have to use the DPU's to full advantage. Another thought, they would have to buy back the line thru Othello to Lind. The old Washington Central would be bought out, again! Isn't it called the Columbia Basin railway, or somethin' like that? It would definetly be a straight shot though. Old records show the GN Empire Builder was detoured over the Milwaukee a couple times, and it made it to Seattle sometimes almost 3-4 hours ahead of schedule!!
It would be interesting to know exactly how the ownership of those roadbeds goes. Should be State from Beverly to Royal City Junction. From there to Othello, Port of Royal City? Bet they'd sell quickly! Othello-Warden? Does BN own, and the short line merely lease? Or did BN for certain sell? Then from Warden eastward is State again. Hmmmm.......... Boxcab E50
