BONNERS FERRY, Idaho (AP) — Railroad tracks used by Amtrak and 30 freight trains a day are clear again after a rockslide near Bonners Ferry.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas says the route was reopened at 11:10 p.m. Monday.
Crews worked through Sunday night to clear the tracks after sensors detected the avalanche Sunday afternoon. Train traffic was safely stopped before it reached the slide in a canyon 15 miles east of Bonners Ferry.
Some trains were rerouted while others waited for the track to reopen. It’s a key rail link between the Northwest and Midwest.
Melonas says the slide, about 30 feet deep and 30 feet wide, along the Kootnai River was caused by heavy rains, melting snow and changing spring temperatures.
