Task 6 Infrastructure Improvement

Task 6 Infrastructure Improvement

Kelso, Washington

Start Date: September 2015
End Date: 2017

This project includes the construction of three rail bridges, multiple retaining walls, as well as a unique and complicated crash wall. Designed to protect the existing Washington State Dept. of Transportation SR 432 bridge from derailed trains, the crash wall is positioned between active mainlines and bridge piers, and built directly under the SR 432 bridge. Since the new BNSF structure is right next to the existing bridge the team closely monitored the structure and site for movement, vibration, and soil liquefaction throughout construction. The new bridge over the Coweeman River is one of the longest through-plate girder bridges in BNSF history.