Montana rail link. 31, 1987, under a 60-year lease from Burlington Northern. It leased trackage from BNSF Railway and carried forest products, grain and other commodities, until it was bought by BNSF and became a subdivision. Starting Jan. Federal regulators in March approved the early termination of Montana Rail Link’s lease of the former Northern Pacific main line between Jones Junction, Mont. MRL’s vision was to become In this final edition of Montana Rail Link coverage, C. Montana Rail Link discontinued all active rail operations on January 1, 2024 and BNSF Railway will operate the former MRL lines. A blue locomotive on a mountainous background has been the image for the Montana Rail Link for almost 30 years but as of 2024, the railroad company has under Nov 21, 2022 · WASHINGTON — Montana Rail Link has moved one step closer to closing up shop and turning over its operations to BNSF Railway. The bridge collapsed on June 24, sending 10 cars into the river and derailing an additional seven cars. Spurling to Helena. Post Office Box 16390 101 International Drive Missoula, Montana 59808. In its petition, MRL requested that the Board increase the revenue threshold for Class I carriers to $900 million. BNSF operates 59% of these rail miles; Montana Rail Link operates 25%. While in Laurel, Jeff Jun 25, 2023 · MISSOULA, Mont. MRL services over 125 local Montana businesses and moves their products to domestic and international markets on a daily basis. “It has one track across it now,” Jim Lewis, MRL’s information officer told the Missoulian on Friday. By: Martin Kidston - Missoula Current. — Montana Rail Link will end its long-term lease on BNSF Railway lines in its namesake state, Idaho, and Washington, with BNSF resuming operation of those routes, MRL President Derek Ollmann told employees in a memo today (Monday, Jan. 89. 523. Learn more about the transition, the retained non-operational lines, and the safety tips for railroad property. 3RD SUBDIVISION MAINLINE. 4TH SUBDIVISION MAINLINE Dec 8, 2022 · The timeline put forward by U. The Surface Transportation Board on Wednesday issued a decision to approve Montana Rail Link’s petition to end its long-term lease with BNSF Railway, both companies announced Wednesday in a news Montana Rail Link SD70ACe 4406 leads the Gas Local at Plains, Mont. Safely providing efficient transportation solutions to our customers and partners. Montana Rail Link , it's history, photos, modeling info, and current news items. Mar 8, 2023 · MISSOULA, MONTANA, March 8, 2023 - The Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued a decision today to approve Montana Rail Link’s (MRL) petition to conclude its long-term lease with BNSF Railway (BNSF). to Spurling. Learn about its history, system map, and locomotive roster. com members> WATCH: BIG SKIES & IRON RAILS VIDEOS] MISSOULA, Mont. 1, 2024, BNSF will resume operations across the MRL Subdivision and integrate MRL team members into its network. Jan 3, 2024 · In 1987, Montana Rail Link leased and operated over 900 miles of mainline tracks between Huntley and Sandpoint, Idaho. “Back in the Northern Pacific days it was a double track pretty far east of Jan 2, 2024 · FORT WORTH, Texas — Montana Rail Link officially became a fallen flag on Jan. Jones Jct. (The MRLRS is NOT affiliated with, or Montana Rail Link, Missoula, Montana. See photos of its diverse locomotive fleet and stunning scenery, and read about its history and challenges. The MRL line Aug 21, 2023 · On this page, there are tables which group similar locomotives models to form the complete current roster of Montana Rail Link diesels. Montana Rail Link, a subsidiary of Washington Companies, will terminate its lease of the former Northern Pacific main line across Montana and northern Idaho and BNSF will resume operations. Free shipping. Adding an extended siding across the overpass at East Missoula is another step on Montana Rail Link’s plan to improve the flow of freight trains through its Missoula yard. In 1996 Jeff was promoted to Yardmaster in Missoula, a position he held for eight years. Jul 24, 2023 · "Montana Rail Link has resumed operations with the completion of bridge construction efforts at the site of the June 24 th derailment near Reed Point. Oct 16, 2023 · BNSF is set to assume operations and maintenance of the Montana Rail Link (MRL) Subdivision, offering MRL employees an opportunity to join BNSF’s team. The main yard is in Laurel, Montana, while a smaller yard is in Missoula. Burlington Northern leased the former Northern Pacific main line from Jones Junction, Mont. , which on June 24 collapsed, sending one of the regional’s trains, hauling hot asphalt and Montana Rail Link Inc, based in Billings, MT, was a railroad company that operated active rail operations until January 1, 2024. Jan 2, 2024 · Railroading is a team effort, and since 1987, BNSF and Montana Rail Link (MRL) have been operating in collaboration across the Big Sky state and portions of Idaho and Washington. Jun 16, 2023 · FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway aims to take over Montana Rail Link operations on Jan. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation with MRL personnel and Jun 26, 2023 · Montana Rail Link said in a statement Saturday that the incident happened around 6:45 a. , and Sandpoint, Idaho. Montana Rail Link utilizes manned helpers based in Helena to assist heavy westbound trains ov This is the epic battle of high tonnage trains verses gravity! Montana Rail Link utilizes manned . With the start of the new year – the regional railroad joined BNSF Railway Jul 22, 2024 · History MRL #390, an EMD F45, leads a freight train Montana Rail Link boxcar on the Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway at Cedar Rapids. ) Nov 22, 2022 · Montana Rail Link (MRL) in January announced it would cease its long-term lease with BNSF to operate over main line between Huntley, Mont. MISSOULA, Mont. The trackage totals 65. During the time that MRL leased and operated mainline tracks between Huntley, Montana, and Sandpoint, Idaho, our teams worked shoulder to shoulder to ensure strong outcomes for customers, employees and communities alike. BN had excess capacity across Montana, favored the parallel former Great Northern main line, and was saddled with antiquated labor contracts and a poisonous union-management relationship. Dec 25, 2023 · Here one will be able to obtain information and history about the locomotives and passenger equipment which currently comprise the Montana Rail Link Railroad. “Our team is eager and ready for Mar 6, 2023 · The Montana Rail Link railroad yard in Missoula. 2ND SUBDIVISION MAINLINE. Jan 12, 2022 · Montana Rail Link is terminating the lease of its 900-plus miles of track through southern Montana and Idaho and returning them to the owner, BNSF Railway. Top Rated Plus. , and Sandpoint, Idaho, under a long-term lease with BNSF. 31, 1987 under a 60-year lease from Burlington Northern. Environmental Protection Agency, said in a joint statement issued with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Montana Joe Racicot was named president of Montana Rail Link on December 16, 2022. Now, it is asking for Surface Transportation Board (STB) authorization. $119. The Montana Rail Link Railfan Society. Following the transition, BNSF Railway now operates the former MRL lines as the MRL subdivision of BNSF's Montana division. Jul 17, 2024 · The signal modification project began under the route’s previous tenant, Montana Rail Link, which ceased operations on December 31, 2023, when BNSF took the line back over after 36 years. Montana Rail Link | Missoula MT MRL’S REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT OFFERS many services for utilizing railroad property. Over time, the rosters will be filled out with information, and thus to read about a specific locomotive, all one has to do is to click on the number wanted within the specified table. Feds to Rule on Montana Rail Link Transaction By March 8 Jeff Adams began his railroad career in 1993 as a Switchman for Montana Rail Link and has worked throughout the entire MRL system. Jeff was then promoted to Trainmaster serving in both Missoula and Helena and in 2013, Jeff accepted the position of Terminal Superintendent in Laurel. The deal will need STB approval and will affect MRL employees and customers. It was owned by The Washington Companies and announced its termination in 2022. The date is fast approaching that will mark the end of Montana Rail Link’s (MRL) 36-year run. There are several cars in the river and the consist makeup did include several hazmat cars. 3,192 likes · 12 talking about this · 2 were here. Jan 9, 2024 · Montana Rail Link began operations in 1987 under a 60-year lease from BNSF. BN had excess capacity across Montana, favored the former Great Northern main line, and was saddled with antiquated labor contracts. Prior to joining Montana Rail Link, Joe was Associate Counsel for Washington Corporations for seven years. Communities on the BNSF Railway routes from Laurel to Shelby and Glendive to Snowden should expect increased rail traffic for the next several weeks because of the service interruption on the Montana Rail Link network. Mar 8, 2023 · Montana Rail Link began operations on Oct. Joe served as the Confidential Assistant to both the Deputy Apr 18, 2023 · The local and overhead trackage rights agreement, filed with the STB on Monday, cover Montana Rail Link’s 5th, 6th, and 13th subdivisions in Montana. MRL announced an agreement in early 2022 for BNSF to resume operations of its mainline rail corridor through southern Montana. 10). Montana Rail Link Truck Transportation Missoula, Montana 5,051 followers Montana Rail Link (MRL) is a Class II railroad that operates over 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho. 1500 phone 406. The regional railroad, known for its friendly service and unique locomotives, will be missed by railfans and customers. Sep 25, 2023 · On this page, there are tables which group similar locomotives models to form the complete archive roster of Montana Rail Link diesels. Oct 5, 2022 · BNSF Takeover One Step Closer as MRL Engineers Ratify Implementation Agreement. Montana Rail Link connects with the BNSF on both ends and also in Garrison, Montana. Buy It Now. By value, trucks carry nearly 50% of freight, followed by pipeline at 34% and rail at 8%. By Jan. 47 miles of track in Montana and Idaho as part of the early termination of its lease with BNSF, according to a filing posted to the 1ST SUBDIVISION MAINLINE. Montana Rail Freight Facts. Oct 15, 2022 · Learn how Montana Rail Link, a regional railroad operating along the former Northern Pacific main line, became one of the most popular roads among railfans. (MRL), filed a petition for rulemaking to amend the Board's rail carrier classification regulations. Jun 28, 2023 · Once that work has been completed crews will focus on removing the remaining tank cars in the river. Dec 16, 2022 · Holdings include Montana Resources, Montana Rail Link, Seaspan Marine Transportation and Shipyards, Southern Railway, Modern Machinery, and Envirocon, with annual revenues in excess of $2 billion. By Railfan & Railroad Staff. Opens in a new window or tab. Vision Productions pays tribute to the most successful regional railroad in modern history, as we exp Dec 28, 2023 · HELENA — Burlington Northern Santa Fe will assume control of Montana Rail Link on January 1, 2024, marking a significant change in Montana rail history. 18 asked federal regulators for permission to discontinue service over 656. Jan 21, 2022 · BNSF Railway is taking back Montana Rail Link’s lease on the former Northern Pacific main line across Montana and Idaho for one simple reason: To control its own destiny. Aug 27, 2024 · Montana Rail Link was a regional railroad that leased and operated former Northern Pacific trackage in Montana and Idaho. Thirty-five years ago, Montana Rail Link began operations on the former Northern Pacific and soon became a fan favorite. Jan 11, 2022 · Montana Rail Link, the Missoula-based railroad company owned by billionaire industrialist Dennis Washington, announced Monday that it will terminate a long-term lease of its tracks through southern Montana and return them to owner BNSF Railway. MDT, a portion of a train traveling westbound near Reed Point derailed while traversing a bridge over the Yellowstone. 1493 fax Nov 11, 2020 · About Montana Rail Link. The lease dates all the way back to 1987. 1, 2024. Our customer focus to reliably deliver commodities, ships, transportation, service, equipment, and technology, as the safe, low-cost operator earns MONTANA RAIL LINK, INC. MONTANA RAIL LINK BASED IN MISSOULA, Montana Rail Link (MRL) is a Class II regional railroad that operates over 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho and employs nearly 1,200 dedicated professionals. The 5th Subdivision runs from Logan to Spire Rock, the 6th from Sappington to Harrison, and the 13th from East Helena to Montana City. Jun 24, 2023 · This morning, at approximately 6:45 a. On Saturday, December 30 the Western Jul 24, 2023 · Montana Rail Link’s main line was put back into service on Saturday after the rebuilt Reed Point bridge over the Yellowstone River was reopened more than a week ahead of estimates. Posted . Based in Missoula, Montana Rail Link (MRL) is a Class II regional railroad that operates over 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho and employs nearly 1,200 dedicated professionals. 6,192 likes · 2 talking about this. Several cars remain in Mar 8, 2023 · The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 8 approved Montana Rail Link’s (MRL) petition to cease operating over main line between Huntley, Mont. By tonnage, rail carries the most freight followed closely by trucks and pipeline. 1, 2024, the regional will be absorbed by BNSF Railway Co Jan 23, 2022 · It was a rule change request by Montana Rail Link in 1991 that persuaded the Surface and Transportation Board to allow the railroad, with revenues less than $250 million at that time, to be Mar 3, 2022 · Montana Rail Link began operations on Oct. BNSF and Montana Rail Link (MRL) have been operating in collaboration across Montana since 1987. There are more than 3,300 miles of rail run by 12 companies. 406. Affected counties include May 14, 2018 · From The Missoulian, May 14, 2018. Over time, the archival rosters will be filled out with information, and thus to view a specific locomotive, all one has to do is to click on the number wanted within the specified table. The railroad has over 900 miles of track, serves 100 stations, and employs approximately 1,000 personnel. (Pet. So it sought to unload the 655-mile former Northern Pacific between Jones Junction and Sandpoint. 1. In 2015, Joe was appointed General Counsel at MRL and was ultimately promoted to Vice President of Administration and General Counsel in 2019. Burlington Northern Jul 24, 2023 · Montana Rail Link (MRL) has resumed traffic over the Twin Rivers Railroad bridge in Stillwater County, Mont. MRL services over 150 local Montana businesses and moves their products to domestic and international markets on a daily basis. Jan 10, 2022 · [<Trains. MRL on Nov. 7 miles. — Montana Rail Link shared a new update on the remediation and work happening where a bridge that crossed the Yellowstone River failed near Reed Point early Saturday morning Apr 5, 2021 · On February 14, 2020, Montana Rail Link, Inc. Montana Rail Link's independent status and main line dates back to October 31, 1987, when MRL under Missoula businessman Dennis Washington commenced a 60-year lease of Burlington Northern's southern Montana main line between Sandpoint, Idaho and Huntley, Montana Sep 9, 2024 · Montana Rail Link Park, a joint project from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA), Montana Rail Link (MRL) and Parks and Recreation, is now open. Surface Transportation Board suggests Montana Rail Link could become a fallen flag during the first half of 2023. For decades, the steam-era signals were one of the many reasons railfans ventured to Montana to see MRL, along with a roster of EMD locomotives and great Montana Rail Link is a regional Class II railroad serving more than 100 stations in Montana, Idaho and Washington. , on May 14, 2018. What's New April 15, 2024 - GP9 117 has been added to the Archive. Jun 26, 2023 · Montana Rail Link is developing a cleanup plan and is working with its unions and BNSF Railway to reroute freight trains in the area to limit disruption of the supply chain, Beth Archer, a spokesperson for the U. Helena to Missoula. Mar 14, 2023 · The deal closes the books on a historic era for Montana railroad history, which started when businessman Dennis Washington launched Montana Rail Link in 1987. Using rail property for any purpose may involve the resolution of complex issues, which is why all applications go through a rigorous administrative review process. S. In recent years the growth-minded BNSF has made significant capacity investments on its routes to and from the Pacific Northwest. MISSOULA - For the first time in its young history, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority now claims MRL Montana Rail Link SD70ACe Diesel Locomotive #4401 Kato 176-8531 N SCALE. local time while the train was traveling westbound near the town of Reed Point. Montana Rail Link (MRL) was a Class II railroad that operated in Montana, Idaho and Washington from 1987 to 2024. BNSF has entered into an agreement with MRL to terminate the existing lease and resume operations and maintenance along this corridor. Aug 18, 2023 · By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor . Photo by Justin Franz. 1 when the regional railroad ceased operations and became BNSF Railway’s MRL Subdivision. Brand New. — Montana Rail Link engineers approved an implementation agreement with BNSF Railway last week, paving the way for BNSF Railway’s planned takeover of the regional railroad as early as 2023. The new 4-acre park site is located between North and South Avenue, Johnson Street, and the Bitterroot Rail line. Jan 1, 2024 · After 36 years of leasing the former Northern Pacific main line and branches, Montana Rail Link was taken over by BNSF Railway on January 1, 2024. The train crew is safe and no injuries have been reported. Feb 1, 2022 · Montana Rail Link (MRL) and BNSF-predecessor, Burlington Northern, created a unique lease arrangement in 1987 in which MRL leases and operates the mainline track between Huntley, Montana and Sandpoint, Idaho. , to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1987. m. Significant progress was made over the last FORT WORTH, Texas — Montana Rail Link officially became a fallen flag on Jan. The company was founded by Missoula entrepreneur Dennis Washington and was part of The Washington Companies. zouumafrnowycxtjektysrznivpyjdmizqaqjwirxbodtgd