Automotive Network Update for Friday, March 27, 2026

Operational Performance
The Stampede Subdivision in western Washington is currently out of service due to a significant washout caused by heavy rainfall last Friday. The washout—approximately 600 feet long and 60 feet deep—occurred on this key Cascades route connecting the Puget Sound gateway with inland markets.  

Mainline track suspended over a culvert following a washout caused by heavy rainfall on the Stampede Subdivision in western Washington – March 2026.

BNSF teams have implemented reroutes to help maintain network fluidity, and customers with freight moving through the region may notice nonstandard routing, locations, or interchanges when tracing shipments. Engineering crews have been working around the clock to restore service, which is currently expected to resume on Tuesday.
 

BNSF engineering teams filling the culvert ahead of infrastructure and track restoration on the Stampede Subdivision – March 2026.

Despite periodic disruptions from volatile spring weather across the Northern Corridor and into the core of the network — including high winds and heavy rainfall—average car velocity improved week-over-week, though it remains below February levels. While temporarily elevated, terminal dwell has improved in recent days and is on pace to be among the strongest monthly performance levels on record for March. Local service performance continued to improve from both the previous week and month, trending at 90%.

Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
Operating conditions across the BNSF network are expected to be generally favorable through the weekend. However, changing weather conditions — including scattered storms and rain across the Southern and Central corridors, gusty winds in parts of the Southwest and through the Plains — may cause brief localized impacts. BNSF teams are monitoring and are prepared to respond as needed.
 
As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.