Rock Slide Clean Up Continues on Illinois Train Tracks

Work continues to clean up a rock slide that occurred last week on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River between the Dubuque-Wisconsin bridge and the Dubuque railroad bridge.

The rock slide occurred last Wednesday and required BNSF Railway to move traffic off one of the main tracks due to the debris cleanup, according to External Corporate Communications Manager, Ben Wilemon.

BNSF has stated that crews will be monitoring the hillside 24 hours a day for rock movement to ensure safety for their trains, cargo, and conductors. In addition to that line of tracks being closed, they have put a slow (speed) order in place for the main tracks and also have the siding out of service while clearing the rocks and debris away.

BNSF has said that contractors are inspecting the hillside for unstable locations and removing rocks where needed to maintain safety and stability. The project is expected to continue throughout the week.

BNSF Railway has been an essential connector for 170 years. Their goal continues to be safely and efficiently transporting freight; while touching people’s lives and communities along the way.