BNSF is working to add a second track across hundreds of miles where single track is now operating. They are working to build a second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille to ease congestion and slow downs. The locals are really worried about hazardous cargo derailments ruining the beautiful lake.
Amazing...I guess 2 or 3 more at the rear.
A lot of oil being freighted through NC as well. I noticed a marked increase after Trump was elected.
That is because the mainline east/west of the BNSF crosses northern Idaho and runs from Seattle and Sumas all the way to Minneapolis and then down to Chicago.
The next east/west line runs through SLC/Denver/Omaha/KC.
The southern east/west line runs from Barstow/Flagstaff/Albq/Dallas/Memphis/Birmingham.
The UP also has several east/west lines.
The line you mentioned handles most of the lumber moving east out of OR, WA, ID heading east.
FYI, what the railroads like the best is moving coal, oil and grain.
That way the WHOLE train starts at one point and delivers to one point. No stopping along the way to pick up another ten cars from this mill or twenty from that mill.
In Alaska, most trains carry oil or coal. Increasingly, tour packages include passenger trips by train. Alaska Railroad is the only state-owned rail system in the U.S. The state of Alaska also owns the Ferry System. Both are heavily used.