BNSF News

Abo Canyon Project Receives Accolades for Innovation and Wildlife Sensitivity

2013-05-31

BNSF was recently recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New Mexico for engineering excellence for its Abo Canyon project in New Mexico.

The company also received another award for excellence in use of concrete in late 2011 from the American Concrete Institute (ACI), New Mexico Chapter. Both awards highlight the workmanship, functionality, appearance and innovative design of the structural concrete features in the project.

Lewis Ruder, BNSF senior manager, Geotechnical Engineering, said design of the double-track project was considered carefully to ensure compatibility with the environment. "Our primary concern is ensuring we provide tracks with sound structural engineering, but we also try to ensure the design is appropriate for the location. We were pleased to be recognized with two awards for our double-track project," he said.

Additionally, Abo Canyon was one of two places visited this spring by a delegation from Mongolia interested in project features that accommodate local wildlife.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) arranged for a Mongolian delegation of government officials, environmental planners and others to tour sites in Montana and New Mexico to exchange information and expertise on reducing the impacts that roads, railways and fencing have on wildlife.

The delegation visited Abo Canyon's railway underpass, which has wildlife-friendly fencing along the rail corridor, exit ramps for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and other species, and an extensive wildlife underpass.

During the construction of the second track through Abo Canyon, BNSF worked to provide a secure and solid infrastructure to serve the railroad while minimizing impact to the environment and to wildlife in that area.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com