While walking to the park on May 16 we saw BNSF crews clearing ballast leaving the ties exposed. They left the old ballast along side the tracks. Why would they replace all that gravel?
-
While walking to the park on May 16 we saw BNSF crews clearing ballast leaving the ties exposed. They left the old ballast along side the tracks. Why would they replace all that gravel? -
They may be getting ready to bring in a track machine to replace the ties. That ballast is still recoverable with a ballast regulator. They have wings similar to a snow plow.
JamesRailcar photos:inflammable.rrpicturearchives -
As James said- they may be about to replace ties. However I would submit that they may have been cleaning the ballast, judging by the ballast put back in the center of the ties. FYI- Over time the ballast becomes clogged with debris and no longer drains properly. Those machines are AMAZING how much dirt they can pull out of what looks like clean stone! Sometimes depending on how they are set up- either the train that is doing the digging will load hoppers behind or in front of it, or other machines will come behind and pick up the spoils.Comment
-
-
I took those May 16 They put down new ballast the next day. The ties were completely covered in it.Comment
Comment