BNSF’s Chihuahuita Connection Represents “Win-Win” for the El Paso Community and Improved Border Infrastructure
El Paso, TX, July 29, 2010 – The completion of BNSF Railway’s (BNSF) Chihuahuita Connection represents a “win-win” for the railroad the Chihuahuita neighborhood, the City of El Paso, and rail customers using the El Paso / Juarez border gateway.
The Chihuahuita Connection, operating since early June, provides BNSF improved flexibility in its operations which supports economic development and jobs for El Paso, along with improved border infrastructure to support trade between the U.S. and Mexico. The Chihuahuita neighborhood will see train movements over the Canal Street crossing reduced by up to 50 percent, leading to greater integration between the neighborhood and the rest of El Paso. With fewer trains using the crossing, the community will benefit from enhanced mobility, better emergency vehicle access, and a reduced risk of accidents.
“BNSF has been an important part of the El Paso community for more than 100 years and we look forward to participating in the continued development of the city,” said Frank Hernandez, BNSF Director of Transportation, U.S. – Mexico. “It is important that BNSF be a good neighbor and partner to improve the quality of life in communities where we operate,” Hernandez added.
The Chihuahuita Connection, in conjunction with a rail-highway grade separation project in the City of Juarez, now programmed by Mexico’s Transport and Communications Ministry (SCT), is expected to significantly reduce freight congestion at this US-Mexico Border crossing, and improve livability and critical infrastructure for the local economies.
The BNSF Chihuahuita Connection, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, was made possible through a joint effort of the Texas Department of Transportation, the City of El Paso and BNSF. The project utilized funds from the American Recovery and Rehabilitation Act (ARRA) as well as private BNSF contributions.
“I am happy to be a small part of a big difference in one of the most historic neighborhoods in El Paso,” said Joe C. Pickett, Chairman, Texas House Transportation Committee.
“Along with the City, and BNSF railroad and TxDOT, I am glad we were all able to come together and help.”
About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF offers broad access the to North American market through five US-Mexico Gateways and five US-Canada Gateways. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com .
The Chihuahuita Connection, operating since early June, provides BNSF improved flexibility in its operations which supports economic development and jobs for El Paso, along with improved border infrastructure to support trade between the U.S. and Mexico. The Chihuahuita neighborhood will see train movements over the Canal Street crossing reduced by up to 50 percent, leading to greater integration between the neighborhood and the rest of El Paso. With fewer trains using the crossing, the community will benefit from enhanced mobility, better emergency vehicle access, and a reduced risk of accidents.
“BNSF has been an important part of the El Paso community for more than 100 years and we look forward to participating in the continued development of the city,” said Frank Hernandez, BNSF Director of Transportation, U.S. – Mexico. “It is important that BNSF be a good neighbor and partner to improve the quality of life in communities where we operate,” Hernandez added.
The Chihuahuita Connection, in conjunction with a rail-highway grade separation project in the City of Juarez, now programmed by Mexico’s Transport and Communications Ministry (SCT), is expected to significantly reduce freight congestion at this US-Mexico Border crossing, and improve livability and critical infrastructure for the local economies.
The BNSF Chihuahuita Connection, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, was made possible through a joint effort of the Texas Department of Transportation, the City of El Paso and BNSF. The project utilized funds from the American Recovery and Rehabilitation Act (ARRA) as well as private BNSF contributions.
“I am happy to be a small part of a big difference in one of the most historic neighborhoods in El Paso,” said Joe C. Pickett, Chairman, Texas House Transportation Committee.
“Along with the City, and BNSF railroad and TxDOT, I am glad we were all able to come together and help.”
About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF offers broad access the to North American market through five US-Mexico Gateways and five US-Canada Gateways. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com .