Rock slide covers BNSF railroad tracks

BONNERS FERRY — A rockslide about 15 miles east of Bonners Ferry has shut down rail traffic on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe line since Sunday afternoon.

Crews worked Sunday through the night and by 11:10 p.m.  Monday were able to open the line and get trains moving through.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said sensors detected the avalanche in time to safely stop a train shortly after the slide before it reached the canyon where the slide occurred.

The slide, which is about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep, was caused by the recent heavy rains, snow melt and the changing spring temperatures. Amtrak and about 30 freight trains typically pass the site daily.