Spring ’23 Updates
Barstow’s Link in California’s Supply Chain
BNSF’s Barstow International Gateway (BIG) will help improve supply chain efficiencies. And with the City of Barstow as our partner, the project will play a critical role in making sure the California economy remains strong by moving freight efficiently from state ports to the rest of the country.
BIG will reduce truck traffic and freeway congestion in the Los Angeles Basin and the Inland Empire. It will also facilitate improved efficiency at our existing intermodal hubs, including those in the Midwest and Texas, creating faster deliveries. Beyond freight movement efficiency gains, we’re incorporating solar power at the warehouses, as well as having electric yard trucks and on-site transit trucks. These are just some of the BIG ways the Barstow International Gateway project will honor BNSF’s commitment to reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2023.
Link textBIG Project Community Outreach
Following the announcement of the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) project last October, BNSF, in partnership with the City of Barstow and the Barstow Chamber of Commerce, has hosted 13 small community workshops, bringing together more than 100 stakeholders across a variety of interests, including healthcare, real estate, education, small business, youth sports, seniors/veterans, students, and the military to hear their thoughts.
Participants in these groups were generally supportive of the project and felt that it would bring significant positive benefits to Barstow, including increased revenue, population growth, well-paid/living wage jobs, and economic development, with a commensurate opportunity for improvements in services, schools, and opportunities for residents. In addition, participants cited the chance to improve Barstow’s reputation and encourage younger residents to stay in the community. When asked about programs and activities that could be improved, participants mentioned housing, medical care, childcare/daycare, schools, homeless services, parks/sport and recreational amenities, entertainment (such as bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc.), shopping, and restaurants.
After wrapping up the smaller workshops in early April, BNSF co-hosted a larger community meeting at Barstow Community College on April 26 that drew more than 300 attendees to learn more about the project and what it will mean for the city and the region. BNSF looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the Barstow community as the planning for this transformative project moves ahead.
BIG News: New Website!
The Barstow International Gateway Project is on track to create BIG possibilities in Barstow and beyond. So we’ve launched a new website that outlines the impact the project will have on the local communities we serve and the opportunities it will bring.
For the latest BIG news, please visit our BNSF BIG website and make sure to sign up for project updates.
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To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.
