Western Railroad Discussion > Question - BNSF mainline separation in Iowa

Why do the BNSF mainline tracks separate then rejoin east of Osceola, Iowa?

Regards, Jim Evans

As I recall the south main is longer, but the grade is less steep.   I do think it was built after the north main was.
The situation is similar going through Albia and for distance east of Albia.

Stephen

rfdatalink Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As I recall the south main is longer, but the
> grade is less steep.   I do think it was built
> after the north main was.
> The situation is similar going through Albia and
> for distance east of Albia.
>
> Stephen

Correct as well as east of Chariton, IA.  Usually in these cases, it's grade reduction; one 
line isn't as steep as the other and was built when the original line was double tracked.  
The only possible exception I can think of is the former Santa Fe between Gardner and
Edgerton, KS, where the new line straightened out the old one.  The BNSF has since
removed the old grade as part of their KC Logistics Park project. 

Nick Tharalson,
Marion, IA