In the Community

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Honoring the First Woman Voter Louisa Gardner Swain made history when on the morning of September 6, 1870, she became the first woman in the world to cast

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Recognizing the Contributions of Women in the Rail Industry

Women’s History Month, observed in the United States each March since 1987, provides the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women to our world. Women have been involved in railroading since the 1800s. Some of the first railroad jobs they held were as registered nurses and what was referred to at the time as

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When Temperatures Drop, We Don’t Stop

Mid-February’s arctic outbreak brought a deep freeze to much of the nation. Worse, it was not just one event, but back-to-back winter blasts, including Winter Storm Uri, which delivered blinding white snow driven by high winds, coupled with icy precipitation. Temperatures dropped below zero. Power and water outages across the Midwest and South crushed communities,

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BNSF Provides First Responders Winter Weather Training in the Flathead Valley

As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, BNSF conducted hands-on winter weather training with first responders in the Flathead Valley in early March. About 30 participants gained techniques to safely respond in the unlikely event of an incident involving crude oil trapped under the ice. The free training was open to all first responders

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In the Community

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Reducing Methamphetamine Use in Montana The Montana Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time teen methamphetamine use through public service messaging, public policy and

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Best in Snow: Check Out These Amazing Winter Shots of BNSF Trains in Action

In the midst of the many challenges people have faced in the past several months, it’s good to know that some things never change. BNSF trains keep moving freight, and railfans keep capturing magnificent images of them, even in cold winter weather. We’ve scoured the entries from this year’s Winter Photo Contest to find the

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Celebrating Black History Month: Railroading Pioneers

Black Americans made significant and lasting impacts on the railroading industry. Please join us in celebrating the innovations of two such leaders: Andrew Jackson Beard and Elijah McCoy. Andrew Jackson Beard (1849-1921) Andrew Jackson Beard lived an extraordinary life as a Black inventor born in the 1800s. Beard revolutionized railroad safety with his invention of the

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BNSF Announces 2021 Capital Investments Plan

BNSF Railway announced its 2021 capital investment plan of $2.99 billion USD. This year’s capital plan focuses on projects that support the company’s growth and efficiency objectives, while maintaining a strong and reliable railroad. “Every year through our capital plan, we work to ensure we are able to continue to operate a safe and efficient

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In the Community

The BNSF Railway Foundation invests in the communities across the 28 states through which BNSF operates, and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. Recent donations include: Supporting Traveling Patients and Families The Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation is dedicated to helping patients and families from around Montana seeking treatment at the Great Falls Clinic.

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BNSF to Host 22nd Technology Awareness Day Events February 23-26

BNSF will host its 22nd Technology Awareness Day celebration through a series of virtual events February 23-26, 2021. BNSF’s Technology Awareness Day is part of the National Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Technology Awareness Day at BNSF is a local version of the campaign that aims to educate local minority youths about careers in the technology

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Pilot Test Begins on Battery-Electric Locomotive

The future potential of battery-electric locomotives crossed another significant milestone this month as the technology undergoes testing in revenue service between Barstow and Stockton, California. Developed by Wabtec in partnership with BNSF, the battery-powered heavy-haul locomotive is designed to operate in a hybrid consist and uses technology similar to regenerative braking in electric vehicles. The

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BNSF Railway Submits Plan to Help Protect Grizzly Bears in Montana

BNSF has formally submitted a Habitat Conservation Plan to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which outlines mitigation measures designed to reduce train-caused grizzly mortalities in northwest Montana. The Habitat Conservation Plan was developed over years of consultation with bear experts from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Blackfeet Nation

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In the Community

Honoring Native American veterans and their service The BNSF Railway Foundation donated $500,000 to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to help create a memorial to honor Native American veterans and the sacrifices they made. The site, titled Warriors’ Circle of Honor, was unveiled on Veterans Day. An elevated stainless-steel circle balanced on

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Recipes on the Rail: A Holiday Treat from Days Gone By

Looking back on holiday seasons past, you may have fond memories of cross-country road trips or tight knit gatherings with family members. But there was a time when the annual trip home might not have been in a car, but aboard the most innovative transport of the day: The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy’s Zephyr streamliners.

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How Does BNSF Get Ready for Winter in Montana?

Through advanced planning and great teamwork. When our Winter Action Plan goes into effect it’s the dedication and strategic thinking of our employees that ensure operations run smoothly. Safety is practiced year-round by BNSF, which includes being proactive about maintenance, checking equipment and inspecting bridges and tracks. This is no small feat for the railroad,

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