Western Railroad Discussion > BNSF Sign Question

While on a recent trip through southern California, I stopped at Oro Grande for a shot.  At the grade crossing south of the cement plant, there was a 
horizontal sign, yellow with black lettering.  These signs usually are speed limit signs with a P for passenger and an F for frieght.  This sign said 
"K-35" and I have no idea what that meant.  Does any one know?  I am curious as to the answer.

Nick Tharalson,
Marion, IA

Could it be for Chemical/Has Mat type Trains ? K is a symbol I see quite a bit in train symbol jargon denoting Chemical/Haz Mat trains. Ben

Posted from Android

K is for Key Train. Key trains are restricted to 35 mph in High Urban Threat Areas as defined by the Department of Homeland Security.

A train is considered a Key Train if it contains:
a. one (1) or more loads of spent nuclear fuel or high level radioactive waste
or 
b. 5 or more loaded tank cars containing materials that require the phrase “Poison-Inhalation 
Hazard” or anhydrous ammonia 
or 
c. a combination of 20 or more loaded hazardous materials shipments or intermodal portable tank 
loads of a combination of “Poison-Inhalation Hazard”, flammable gas (2.1), anhydrous ammonia), Class 1.1 or 1.2 
explosives, or environmentally sensitive chemicals.

Key trains are also restricted to 50 mph outside of HUTAs.

 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/19 08:32 by DevalDragon.

In the Northwest you can also find speed signs with a T-XX.  T is for Talgo.  BSB

Thanks for this Dragon, I was very curious as I had not seen this before.  I believe this is for transiting through Victorville and Hesperia as urban
sprawl has surrounded the former Santa Fe these days.  

Nick Tharalson,
Marion, IA