They've found that the faster trains can get on and off the tracks, the more trains they can run each day. Of the 186 mile route between Seattle and Portland, about 100 miles contain parallel tracks so that trains can pass as needed. BNSF and the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor passenger service are well enough coordinated that the 110 mph passenger service runs on the same tracks with 60 mph or slower freight trains. Freight trains can go as fast as 80 mph, but they average about 60 mph maximum, with very intensive service. Mr. Mitchell remarked that one of the biggest challenges for the Midwest will be automatic train stops and signaling.
Signal systems are a significant technical issue.
Senator Farrow asked what wetland mitigation has added to project costs. Ken Uznanski responded that it has added about 30 percent to project costs and has taken about four years to address. She then asked whether anyone had raised concerns about train diesel exhaust. Questions were raised about areas for trains to pass each other. Mr. Mitchell noted that the state is paying for construction of cross-overs, but BNSF will maintain them.