5/2/2017
Railway company keeping lanes closed after derailment
COEUR d'ALENE - Officials for railway company Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) have asked the Idaho Transportation Department to keep both southbound lanes of U.S. 95 closed for the next 24 to 48 hours after a train hauling grain derailed 10 miles north of Athol.
Multiple train cars derailed close to the roadway Monday (May 1), spilling corn and posing a danger to drivers on U.S. 95. BNSF immediately closed southbound lanes to travel, placing flaggers on the road to direct two-way traffic on the northbound lanes.
ITD engineers have been unable to determine the extent of the damage the derailment caused. Primary concern focuses on an approach to U.S. 95 where the cars derailed.
ITD will continue to work with BNSF to ensure safe travel near the derailment.