Cajon Pass 3rd Main Track Construction by BNSF

11/07/08 - Victorville Daily Express: BNSF has declared the BNSF 3MT project FINISHED !
CAJON PASS • BNSF Railway has completed construction of a third main rail line through the Cajon Pass, which will help take more trucks off the freeway.
“Cajon Pass is our only Southern California connection to the rest of the BNSF network from the San Pedro ports,” said Mark Kirschinger, BNSF’s California Division general manager. “Maintaining efficient train movements through Cajon Pass is critical to supporting the growth and vitality of local, regional and the national economies.”
The $90 million, 16-mile new line will increase capacity on BNSF’s Chicago to Los Angeles transcontinental route from 100 to 150 trains a day, according to the company. Each intermodal train on these tracks can take more than 250 long-haul trucks off of the region’s local highways and move one ton of freight more than 400 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel.
BNSF worked with at least 17 public agencies, six utility companies and the community on issues ranging from enhancement and protection of the environment, to improved grade crossings, drainage structures and preservation of historical and cultural resources.
Over the past four years, more than 300 BNSF employees and contractors worked on the Cajon Pass project. In that time, crews moved more than 1 million tons of earth, placed approximately 42,000 concrete railroad ties, and laid more than 30 miles of steel rail.
The construction of the third track represents the first BNSF main track addition through Cajon Pass since the second line was constructed in 1913.


9/15/08 Cutting road crossing for Main # 2 - 801	9/15/08 RR-X-ing temporarily out of service - 802	9/17/08 BNSF EB on Main # 1 - 803
All of the "action" centers around the complex trackage at Cajon Junction. Don sends four of the work to complete Main # 2. Photos 801 - 802: show the cutting of the road crossing to allow Main # 2 to be build through the area. Photo 803: BNSF is EB on Main # 1 passing the unfinished # 2. Photo 804: Ballasting # 2 RR West of the curved bridge at MP 64.1X. Note that all crossings and bridges have wooden ties since concrete ties do not wear well in those areas.

9/17/08 Ballasting Main # 2 - 804	9/15/08 Ballasting newly realigned Main # 3 - 805	9/15/08 Dressing newly realigned Main # 3 - 806

9/17/08 BNSF WB moving from # 3 to # 1 to bypass unfinished # 3 at West Cajon Jct - 807	9/22/08 Completed track configuration at East Cajon Jct - 808	9/22/08 Main # 3 realignment and ballasting between Cajon Jct and Bridge at MP 63.4 - 809

9/22/08 Close up of new Main # 3 on bridge - 810	9/26/08 Trackage between MP 63.4 and 64.3 - 811	9/26/08 How to cut and re-connect - 812
Yesterday (09-26-08), BNSF Main Tracks 1, 2, & 3 were opened between Summit and Cajon Junction. West of Cajon Junction, there is still a major track realignment to be finished next Monday. Photo 811: shows the present trackage between what we call " the graffiti bridge" at MP 63.4. and "Nasty Knoll" at MP 64.3. Photo 812: The "middle track" will be cut at the X and, obviously, 1 East and 1 West will be connected as will 2 E and 2 W. The curves as shown in these pictures are grossly exaggerated due to the long telephoto lens used. Photo 813: Don sends a picture of the same area taken from the UP/SP tracks. The curves are in proper perspective. GGG/DET

9/23/08 Same area taken from UP tracks - 813	9/26/08 BNSF 4447 EB (extra long train) at the "Graffiti Bridge" - MP 63.4 - 814	9/26/08 Same train has the head end past Sullivans Curve headed toward Hwy 138 - 815
Photos 814 - 818: The BNSF has been running some really LONG (10,000 ft) trains lately and we're sure we caught one EB in the Cajon Station area.

9/26/08 With the BNSF 4447 train still passing Cajon Station, BNSF 720 is WB on Main # 3 - 816	9/26/08 DPU's for BNSF 4447 are on Main # 1 (background) and BNSF 720 WB - 817	9/26/08 DPU's for BNSF 720 - Please note that BNSF 4447 cars can still be seen just above the DPU's - 818

9/29/08 Realignment of Mains # 1 and # 2 - 819	9/29/08 Ballasting Main # 2 - 820	9/29/08 BNSF EB JAC-BAR - 821
In our last series BNSF was cutting the tracks prior to realignment -- just RR West of the Graffiti Bridge at MP 63.4, Don, from above the UP/SP tracks, captures the process on 29 Sep 08. Photos 819 - 824: show realignment, ballasting and dressing of Main # 2 in different stages. As we can see on photos 821 - 824 Main # 3 was really busy while Mains # 1 and # 2 are out of service. Main # 1 is still not connected at this time.

9/29/08 BNSF 916 WB on Main # 3 - 822	9/29/08 BNSF 1072 WB on Main # 3 - 823	9/29/08 NMSF 4954 WB on Main # 3 - 824

9/26/08 Dressing Main # 2 at East Cajon Jct. - 825	9/26/08 Dressing Main # 1 at SWC - 826	10/01/08 Dressing Main # 1 at SWC - 827

10/03/08 Rail alignments at MP 63.4 - 828	10/03/08 Main # 1 to be ballasted & dressed - 829	10/06/08 SWC X-ing completed, # 1 needs work - 830

10/08/08 The first "race" to Summit using the "new" BNSF Main # 1 and the "old" Main # 2 -- BNSF EB trains passing Hill 582 going uphill toward Summit - 831	10/08/08 UP 5474 is EB into Cajon Summit. The second unit is an AC-4400CW still wearing CNW colors. This train will probably be stopped RR East of Summit to allow the following BNSF train on Main # 2 to proceed - 832	10/08/08 UP 9389 WB from Cajon Summit. The second unit is an ex CNW SD40-2. Nice view of the 3 BNSF Main tracks in service at Summit curve. - 833

10/16/08 BNSF EB on Main # 2 at MP 64 - 834	10/16/08 BNSF WB on Main # 3 at MP 64 - 835	10/16/08 BNSF WB on # 3 (# 1 not in service) - 836
10/18/08 - Current status of the 3MT Construction: All three BNSF tracks are in operation between Summit and Cajon Junction. Main # 1 from Cajon Jct to Keenbrook was not operational as of yesterday (10/17/08). We *think* that all will be finished by the end of October ?? Also, before we can call the project complete, the shoo-fly at the old Tunnel one site must be realigned. GGG/DET

10/17/08 Track dressing on Main # 1 MP 64 - 837	10/22/08 BNSF Business Train WB MP 64 - 838	10/22/08 BNSF WB on Main # 3 MP 64 - 839
10/22/08 - Currently there is little 3MT construction progress. The BNSF forces continue to finish Main # 1 between Keenbrook and Cajon Station. Evidently there is much track welding to be completed but weather conditions (HOT, DRY, and WINDY) have halted those efforts. About the only things left to do concerning documentation of the Cajon project are to photograph the realignment of the old shoo-fly and to get "meets" at all of the sites we have photographed. (GGG/DET)

10/25/08 BNSF EB DPU's pass a WB train - 840	10/25/08 BNSF WB on Main # 2 - 841	10/25/08 EB stacker visible above WB train - 842
Friend Marc Fournier joined the digital imaging age and caught this meet at Cajon Jct. Even these photos do not show anything about the current construction, we think, it is worth to see especially of their wide screen format. Photo 840: BNSF 7491 is WB on Main # 2 while the DPU's of an EB climb toward Sullivan's on Main # 1. Photo 841: Show close up of BNSF 7491 WB at Cajon Junction. Photo 842: The BNSF EB double stack train (coming out of Sullivan's Curve) is still visible above the WB train.

10/30/08 Ballast train on Main # 1 - 843	10/30/08 Ballast for finishing Main # 1 - 844	10/30/08 BNSF EB passing ballast train - 845
Photos 843 - 844: BNSF 6735 is WB on Main # 1 at Cajon Junction - with the last (we think) of the new ballast for that track at RR West between Cajon Jct and Keenbrook. Photo 845: BNSF 7641 is EB toward Sullivan's Curve passing the above mentioned ballast train.

11/05/08 Tracks are cut - 846	11/05/08 Tracks are moved toward Main # 2 - 847	11/05/08 Looks like flex track on a Model RR - 848
Photos 846 - 850: As you may remember, a shoo-fly was built to by-pass Tunnel-1 (BNSF MP 59). The last major sub-project within the BNSF 3MT construction was to realign the shoo-fly to parallel Main # 2 (M-2) in the former T-1 area. Marc sends the beginning of the realignment looking west as of 11-05-08.

11/05/08 Almost parallel - 849	11/05/08 BNSF EB pass the site - 850	11/08/08 UP EB on Silverwood Connector - 851
11/07/08 - Victorville Daily Express: BNSF has declared the BNSF 3MT project FINISHED ! CAJON PASS • BNSF Railway has completed construction of a third main rail line through the Cajon Pass, which will help take more trucks off the freeway. “Cajon Pass is our only Southern California connection to the rest of the BNSF network from the San Pedro ports,” said Mark Kirschinger, BNSF’s California Division general manager. “Maintaining efficient train movements through Cajon Pass is critical to supporting the growth and vitality of local, regional and the national economies.” The $90 million, 16-mile new line will increase capacity on BNSF’s Chicago to Los Angeles transcontinental route from 100 to 150 trains a day, according to the company. Each intermodal train on these tracks can take more than 250 long-haul trucks off of the region’s local highways and move one ton of freight more than 400 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel. BNSF worked with at least 17 public agencies, six utility companies and the community on issues ranging from enhancement and protection of the environment, to improved grade crossings, drainage structures and preservation of historical and cultural resources. Over the past four years, more than 300 BNSF employees and contractors worked on the Cajon Pass project. In that time, crews moved more than 1 million tons of earth, placed approximately 42,000 concrete railroad ties, and laid more than 30 miles of steel rail. The construction of the third track represents the first BNSF main track addition through Cajon Pass since the second line was constructed in 1913.
It seems that there is a 'Construction project of the year' competition conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. Ames Construction (the corporation which teamed with BNSF to move the dirt, build the bridges, and remove the tunnels) contracted with the PR firm (Kaneen Advertising & Public Relations, Inc. of Tucson, AZ) to enter the competition. Below is a description (PDF) of the competition for the 2009 AON Build America Award. (Interesting to read the last paragraph on page 6) BNSF Cajon Pass - Third Main Track / Keenbrook to Summit Project

11/08/08 UP NB/EB on Silverwood Connector - 852	11/08/08 BNSF EB on Main # 2 (left is WSI) - 853	11/08/08 BNSF EB on Main # 3 - 854
Photos 851 - 854: The Silverwood Connector is a crossover between the UP (Palmdale cutoff) and the BNSF tracks # 1 and # 2. Therefore, UP is able to re-route trains between the tracks heading to either Palmdale (Tehachapi) or Barstow (Daggett) and further North. The other way around, WB trains coming from Barstow can change to the UP tracks heading direct into Colton Yard. Photos 851 - 852 show 2 diff. UP trains crossing from UP to BNSF tracks. Photo 853 shows another railfan's over look in the Pass: West Summit Island (WSI). It is located between BNSF track # 3 and # 2, just below the Summit Curve. Photo 854 shows from left to right: Silverwood Connector, BNSF Main # 1, # 2 and # 3 with BNSF EB train entering Summit Curve. West Summit Island is just at the right lower corner (not visible).

10/30/08 BNSF WB on Main # 1 Sullivan's Crv - 855	10/30/08 BNSF EB on Main # 1 - 856	10/30/08 Same BNSF train Sullivan's Curve - 857

10/30/08 BNSF EB on Main # 2 - 858	10/30/08 Same BNSF train Sullivan's Curve - 859	10/30/08 UP NB on UP tracks - 860
As the 3MT project is finished, we are going to show great photos of the daily operations in Cajon Pass. We can see trains now on 3 BNSF tracks and 1 UP track at different locations throughout the Pass.. Photos 855 - 860: Sullivan's Curve is always a spectacular place to see trains. For those who are not familiar with this location, UP is having a siding here and therefore, we can see 4 tracks: UP Main and Siding, BNSF Main # 1 and # 2. We are waiting for the ultimate shot with a train on every track!

10/30/08 BNSF WB as seen from WSI on # 3 - 861	10/30/08 BNSF WB will pass WSI on # 3 - 862	10/30/08 BNSF EB as seen from WSI on # 2 - 863

10/30/08 UP EB on Silverwood Connector - 864	10/31/08 Cajon Weather in Southern CA - 865	10/31/08 As seen from Hill 582 - 866
Photos 861 - 864 were all taken from WSI (West Summit Island). Photos 865 - 866: Two interesting weather shots from Hill 582. San Gabriel Mountains in the background. Maybe we'll get some snow/rain this year ??

11/10/08 Broken rail is replaced - 867	11/10/08 New section was welded - 868	11/10/08 Welding the other side - 869
Photos 867 - 871: While the new BNSF 3MT construction was progressing, Main # 3 saw very heavy use. With Mains # 1 & # 2 completed and in use, heavy inspection/repair was necessary on Main # 3. In the following sequence, a broken rail is replaced, welded, and ground smooth looking WB from West Summit Island (WSI). Photography by Marc Fournier

11/10/08 Grinding of joints - 870	11/10/08 Smooth it down - 871	11/12/08 Pre-assembled switch next to # 2 - 872

11/12/08 Water against the dust - 873	11/12/08 Main # 2 was cut - 874	11/12/08 New switch is moved in - 875
Photos 872 - 881: BNSF has installed a switch on the south side of Main # 2 just RR West of Walker. The switch is evidently for a "Set-out" track. Photo 873: Dust mitigation has been of primary concern throughout the 3 MT construction. Photo 878: Hand throw Switch welded into position. Unknown if the remaining panels will be used to extend the "set-out" track. Photo 879: BNSF has installed the WALKER SIGNS on the East/West Bound Control Signals honoring our friend Chard Walker. Photos 880 - 881: BNSF 529 and a brace of GP 60's lead the JAC-BAR EB at Walker. It is just rolling over the switch.

11/12/08 Positioning of the switch - 876	11/12/08 Final installation - 877	11/14/08 Main # 2 is ready, again - 878

11/14/08 New Walker sign - 879	11/14/08 BNSF JAC-BAR EB - 880	11/14/08 Same train under the Walker signals - 881

11/14/08 BNSF EB on Main # 2 - 882	11/14/08 BNSF EB w/DOTX - 883	11/14/08 Just passed Hill 582 - 884
Photo 882: BNSF 4051 is EB in the old Tunnel 1/Shoo-fly area (MP 59) on Main # 2. Photos 883 - 884: BNSF 556 leads DOTX Track Geometery Car 217 EB past Hill 582 on Main # 1. BTW, 217 is self propelled however it is designed to operate also in the towed configuration.

11/16/08 BNSF EB on Main # 2 - 885	11/16/08 UP EB on Main # 2 and a WB on # 1 - 886	11/16/08 Above the BNSF is a UP WB - 887
Photos 885 - 890: Another Swiss, Rudolf P. Schai, jr., visited Hill 582 on Sunday, 11/16/08. He is an active member of the American Railroadfans in Switzerland. He really enjoed his stay on our "Oasis" in the middle of Cajon Pass. As he was traveling in style, we saw the first Cadillac Escalade on the Hill. Thank you, Ruedi for sharing your photos on our site (WM).

11/16/08 Hill 582 and an Escalade - 888	11/16/08 Hill 582 with double stack - 889	11/16/08 BNSF WB on Main # 2 - 890

11/21/08 BNSF EB JAC-BAR - 891	11/21/08 This train has 4 axle power, only - 892	11/21/08 It is passing Hill 582 - 893
11/21/08 - Don, Marc and I spent Friday morning on Hill 582 and at CP Walker. Not a whole bunch of trains but great company and a very nice day. We look for the JAC-BAR EB on Fridays because it always has all four axle power, is colorful and usually OVERPOWERED --- to the point of ROARING up CAJON. We were not disappointed (GGG) Photos 891 - 893: Are ATSF/BNSF 548 with another DASH 8 and four GP-60's pulling a relatively short train uphill past Hill 582 --- and on to Barstow

11/21/08 BNSF WB past new setout switch - 894	11/21/08 Looking West w/derail switch - 895	11/21/08 Looking East w/setout track - 896
As noted, BNSF is installing a quarter mile long "setout" track between Davis Ranch Road and CP Walker on Main # 2. (See also photos 872 - 878) Photo 894: BNSF 4776 is WB on Main # 1 past the thermite welding crew --- welding the setout switch to Main # 2. Photo 895: Looking RR west toward Davis Ranch Road, the derail and Main # 2 switch (both hand throws) are pictured. Photo 896: Looking RR East, the length of the setout track is pictured.

12/15/08 BNSF EB JAC-BAR at WSI - 897	12/15/08 BNSF EB JAC-BAR at WSI - 898	12/15/08 BNSF WB above Silverwood - 899
Photos 897 - 902: It has been and interesting week with rain and snow and really COLD weather. It was a relatively light snow but for Southern CA, it was a bunch. I-15 on Cajon was closed for several hours but our own Marc Fournier ventured into the Cajon with his camera. Rail traffic has been light = probably due to the economy but he did spot a few. So, here are the "fruits" of his work in "Winter Wonderland".

12/15/08 BNSF WB on Main # 2 at Walker - 900	12/15/08 Same train at CP Walker - 901	12/15/08 Hill 582 seen from 58.2 signal mast - 902
With these photos we are going to close our 3MT construction pages. Once again a big thank you to our great photographers for being able to show all these exiting moments of this "one of kind" project. Do not worry, we are going to show new photos of Cajon Pass action in our Cajon Pass Photo Collection pages. Just go to the Cajon Pass Main Page and scroll down - click here.

12/06/08 BNSF 5017 WB Christmas Train is passing Hill 582 on Main # 1 before the recent blizzard (Photo by Marc Fournier) 8-135 A big thank you to Don, Gary and Marc for sharing their wonderful photos with us (12/24/08 WM)