BNSF moves forward with second bridge

SANDPOINT — BNSF Railway Company is moving forward with design and engineering for a second bridge over Lake Pend Oreille.

BNSF initiated the project in 2014 and, despite a brief pause in development, always had the intention of moving forward with the project, said Gus Melonas, BNSF spokesman. “Bringing it forward now allows us to adequately handle current and future rail traffic,” he added.

When the overall project is complete, trains will be able to run in both directions across the bridge, reducing the need for engineers to slow down or stop as they wait for clearance to cross. As a result, drivers could see shorter wait times on nearby roads and streets that cross BNSF tracks, Melonas said.

“This is the equivalent to adding a lane on a highway; it allows for a more fluid flow of current traffic,” he added.

The Pacific Northwest relies on an efficient rail system to deliver goods used by Americans every day. The Sandpoint Junction Connector project will provide needed capacity for current traffic and help accommodate future economic growth, Melonas said. This project will improve BNSF operations in the region, benefiting our customers and reducing congestion. Development of the project and permitting will take several months, and no construction is schedule for 2017.

While BNSF is still in the preliminary development phase for the project, it will be necessary to conduct load testing to gain information about the performance of driven piles for the new bridge over Lake Pend Oreille. The load testing is expected to begin the second week in May and be finished by the end of June. Two test piles will be driven into the ground on BNSF property near Dog Beach.

BNSF will have security fencing around its property on Dog Beach for safety reasons while the work is occurring. Access to Dog Beach may be reduced during this time. Pile driving equipment will include a crane, a pile driving hammer, a large compressor, and necessary support equipment. During the actual pile driving, noise should be expected. Once the piles are driven, they will be allowed to rest for a two- to four-week period.