BNSF Railway Co.’s grade crossing closure program capped off a successful 2009. The railroad met its goal of 450 closures.

BNSF’s 2010 goal is an identical 450. In summer, the Class I expects to close its 5,000th crossing since it launched the program in 2000, according to an item posted on the “BNSF News” Web page. As of Dec. 31, the railroad had closed 4,686 crossings.

For more information on freight and passenger railroads’ closure programs and efforts to boost crossing safety, follow this link to read an article in Progressive Railroading’s January issue.