The Belt Railway Company of Chicago was one of five ASLRRA Central Region members to earn President’s Awards in 2022. Pictured: Belt Railway representatives accepted their award from ASLRRA Board Chair Stefan Loeb (far left), Central Region Vice President Kristin Bevil and ASLRRA President Chuck Baker (far right). (Photograph Courtesy of ASLRRA)

ASLRRA Members Honored for Top Safety Performance

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) presented President’s Safety Awards to 10 members at its Central and Pacific Region Meeting, held Oct. 25-27 in Milwaukee, Wis.

MRL helper locomotives assist at the rear end of a BNSF grain train climbing Bozeman Pass, west of Livingston, Mont. (Photo and caption by Bruce Kelly)

BLET: BNSF-MRL Implementing Agreements Ratified

An “overwhelming majority” of participating Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members have ratified an implementing agreement and Oregon Short Line Protective Agreement with BNSF regarding its resumption of service on Montana Rail Link (MRL), BLET reported.

BNSF Sandpoint Bridge Enters Home Stretch

Contractors working for BNSF Railway installed the final deck girder segment on the nearly one-mile-long bridge across Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, Idaho, during the first half of August. Under construction since

MRL helper locomotives assist at the rear end of a BNSF grain train climbing Bozeman Pass, west of Livingston, Mont. (Photo and caption by Bruce Kelly)

MRL Rails Returning to BNSF (Updated)

After more than 30 years of operating BNSF-owned main line between Huntley, Mont., and Sandpoint, Idaho, Montana Rail Link (MRL) reported on Jan. 10 that it is ceasing its long-term lease with the Class I.

MRL Paying Tribute to Veterans, Essential Workers

Montana Rail Link (MRL) has unveiled the first of two special locomotives to thank veterans for their service and essential workers for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MRL Promotes Three

Montana Rail Link (MRL) has promoted Joe Racicot, Jim Lewis and Ross Lane to Vice President positions. Racicot previously served as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, and has been promoted to Vice President Administration and General Counsel. Lewis previously served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and has been promoted to Vice President Sales and Marketing. Lane previously served as Chief Communications Officer and has been promoted to Vice President Corporate Relations.

Posey Out, Ollmann In As MRL President

Derek Ollmann was named President of Montana Rail Link (MRL), effective immediately. Ollmann succeeds Stacy Posey, who stepped down from the company for personal reasons.

Leadership changes at MRL

After 31 years of service, Montana Rail Link President Tom Walsh is retiring, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Vice President Operations Stacy Posey will succeed Walsh.

BNSF could start on key Idaho bridge by fall

BNSF Railway could begin a project to build a second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, this fall. The railroad has applied for permits that would see the new bridge constructed adjacent to the existing bridge.

BNSF, MRL move 10,000th Boeing 737 fuselage

An aviation milestone has been achieved thanks to a half-century of railroad transport. Spirit AeroSystems announced on Feb. 14 that the 10,000th 737 fuselage had left its factory in Wichita, Kans., and was en route by rail to Boeing’s massive assembly plant in Renton, Wash.

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