Semaphores retired, replaced on section of BNSF Raton Subdivision NEWSWIRE

WATROUS, N.M. – A section of the BNSF Railway-owned Raton Subdivision received signal upgrades in late July, replacing a section of historic early 20th century Santa Fe semaphore signals. Raton Pass, along the railroad’s Raton and Glorieta Subdivisions has attained the status of being one of the last mainline routes to be equipped with semaphore signals.

BNSF signal crews replaced the historic semaphores at the following locations:

• WES Watrous at MP 751.1
• EES Watrous at MP 750
• Two intermediate semaphores at MP 748
• Two intermediate semaphores at MP 746.3
• Two intermediate semaphores at 744.3

A total of 12 semaphores were decommissioned in the railroad’s latest signaling project that aims to equip the route with new signaling infrastructure. The route does not operate any freight trains, but serves Amtrak’s daily Southwest Chief Trains Nos. 3 and 4 in both directions.

BNSF spokesperson Joe Sloan tells Trains News Wire that the project is not a positive train control project, but is a replacement and improvement of infrastructure and power to signals. The project is to upgrade signals, which in some cases are 40 to 50 years old.

When asked about will become of these old semaphores and how to acquire used equipment, Sloan says that each inquiry is handled case-by-case with most requests coming from non-profit organizations or local governments. The equipment must be designated as surplus and the use of the donated equipment must meet BNSF requirements.

William P. Diven contributed to this story.