Crews replacing wood railroad ties between Arlington and Marysville

ARLINGTON — Residents who drive near the Burlington Northern Sante Fe railroad between Arlington and Marysville will notice some construction until March 19.

Gus Melonas, director of public affairs for the railway company, said that a 35-person work crew will be replacing wood rail ties on a seven-mile stretch of track between the two cities starting Monday, March 15.

Approximately 9,000 rail ties will be replaced during the week, at a cost of $1.5 million out of BNSF's capital improvement program for 2010.

Work will happen on a branch line — not the main train line, Melonas said.

"It's to ensure safety for customer service, a better ride and reliability over trackage," Melonas said.

The railroad company covers 32,000 route miles in the United States with its 6,700 locomotives.

A video of of the project, posted by Arlington resident Bill Gillam, can be found here youtube.com/watch?v=GGl6auPcOek.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.

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