Railroad To Lay New Track In Cheney Area Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Will Improve Three Grade Crossings In/Around: Cheney

The Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad is planning to build a new six-mile section of track through the Cheney area.

Last week, the Cheney City Council voted not to require a public hearing on alterations to grade crossings at the Cheney-Plaza and Mullinix roads.

The railroad plans to lay the track starting this spring, and upgrade the two signal crossings in Cheney and a third crossing at Lance Hill Road in the unincorporated county.

Mike Rowswell, a staff specialist for the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, said the railroad wants to improve the movement of freight through Eastern Washington by providing new tracks so trains can pass without stopping.

The double-track section will run from the east side of Cheney to beyond Lance Hill Road, Rowswell said. The railroad plans to install switches and crossovers that are capable of handling trains moving at 40 mph.

The railroad said it will not allow trains to stop and block the crossings, Rowswell said.

Higher freight volumes from Pacific ports have contributed to the need for more track capacity, Rowswell said.

The line through Cheney connects with the Port of Portland via the Tri-Cities and the Columbia River Gorge.

Last week, the Cheney City Council also agreed to close a small private crossing at Washington Street. The railroad will provide a gravel access to the property along the existing right of way.

The railroad plans to install new circuitry for the expanded crossings.

Another double-track project is proposed for the Spokane Valley in the vicinity of Harvard and Idaho roads.

, DataTimes