BNSF Borrows UP Tracks for Ballast Hauls in California
Published Date: 1/2/2026
Notice
Summary
BNSF Railway is getting temporary permission to use Union Pacific’s tracks in California to move ballast trains between Stockton, Elsey, and Keddie. This deal starts January 16, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026, helping BNSF keep their trains running smoothly without extra costs. Workers affected by this change will have job protections to keep things fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rail worker job protections preserved
If you are a railroad employee affected by BNSF’s temporary use of Union Pacific tracks, you will keep job protections under the conditions imposed in Norfolk & Western Railway—Trackage Rights—Burlington Northern, Inc., 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in Mendocino Coast Railway—Lease & Operate—California Western Railroad, 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980). These protections apply to employees affected by the trackage rights that begin January 16, 2026, and are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.
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Key Dates
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