Multi-Year Work Plan for Track Stabilizations

Background

BNSF Railway had issued several new slow orders throughout North Dakota due to track bed instability.

To address this issue, BNSF and Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) identified more than 150 locations in Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota that became candidates for stabilization projects. BNSF then began a track-stabilization program in 2014, and HEI has played an integral role in its implementation.

The Project

Due to the large variety of site conditions, several stabilization techniques were employed, each one chosen for its suitability with a particular site.

Addressing water issues was a common theme as part of these improvements, including the installation of ballast drains as well as the placement of riprap in areas exposed to open water.

The projects also included the construction of access roads, slope buttressing, and geotextile reinforcement.

HEI’s duties included:
• Design
• Survey
• Permitting
• Bid document preparation,
• Construction management
• Oversight of subconsultant services

HEI completed approximately 40 stabilization projects on the KO, Devils Lake, Noyes, and Glasgow subdivisions.