BNSF expands more track for two-way train traffic

BNSF expands more track for two-way train traffic    Burlington Northern Santa Fe said it completed several track construction projects to add capacity to lines in California and Oklahoma.
   The railroad said it opened an 11.2-mile section of double-track on its Oklahoma panhandle network last week, adding to about 22 miles already added to a major transcontinental line from Long Beach, Calif., to Chicago earlier this year. Last year, BNSF added 43 miles of second track in Texas and Oklahoma.
   Construction crews also finished a 5.7-mile section of triple track between Baseline and Verdemont, Calif., in late September.
   Shippers and analysts have noted that while railroads are investing in more double-tracks to relieve congestion, it will take years at the current pace to complete double-tracking projects on hundreds of miles of lines.
   About 65 trains per day operate on the Panhandle line, which primarily handles intermodal business for importers. Through the second quarter of 2004, the number of intermodal units BNSF handled grew 10 percent compared with the first half of 2003. During peak season the line averages about 71 trains per day.
   BNSF said it is planning to add 25 miles of second main track between Tangier and Goodwin, Okla. and 31 miles between Milan and Attica, Kan., along with a four-mile second main track addition between Waynoka and Heman, Okla.