BNSF and CPKC Joint Operations on the Mississippi River | Twin Cities Trains

The joint operations between Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and BNSF Railway between Hastings, MN, and Saint Paul, MN, revolve around trackage rights and shared use of key rail infrastructure along the Mississippi River corridor.

Shared Corridor Overview
The rail corridor between Hastings and Saint Paul, MN, runs along the east side of the Mississippi River, historically used by the Milwaukee Road, now part of CPKC.

BNSF Railway uses the CPKC trackage between Hastings and Saint Paul via trackage rights.

Trackage Rights Arrangement
BNSF has trackage rights over CPKC's River Subdivision between Hastings and Saint Paul Yard.
Trackage rights also allow better operational flexibility and access to the Twin Cities' yards and industries.

Key Points Along the Route
Hastings, MN: A key junction where BNSF trains can enter CPKC's River Subdivision.
Newport, MN: Where the two lines from Hastings converge and head to Saint Paul. Necessary for industrial access and interchange.
Saint Paul, MN (Pig's Eye Yard): Major CPKC classification yard; also used by BNSF under agreement for some operations.

Potential Reasons Joint Use Exists
Historic rail mergers and legacy agreements often leave major railroads like CPKC and BNSF with overlapping but cooperative rights.
This specific section is geographically constrained by the Mississippi River, making shared infrastructure more efficient than building redundant routes.

Operational Notes
Joint operations are governed by dispatching agreements—CPKC typically dispatches the line.
Coordination is crucial, especially during peak traffic times, severe weather, or special moves (e.g., unit trains or oversized loads).
The line supports freight and Amtrak's Empire Builder, adding to the need for careful scheduling.

Between Hastings and Saint Paul, MN, BNSF uses CPKC's River Sub under trackage rights. This setup enhances route flexibility and efficiency for both carriers, especially in a geographically tight and industrially vital region. It's a classic example of railroads collaborating to navigate logistical constraints and maximize shared infrastructure.