Rockslide that halted Amtrak, freight trains cleared

BONNERS FERRY (AP) - A rockslide that closed a main BNSF Railway connection between Washington and Idaho has been cleared.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said dozers and loaders were able to clear the line and they reopened about 12:30 a.m. Saturday. The slide 14 miles east of Bonners Ferry covered the tracks about 12:30 p.m. Friday. Melonas said the slide was 20 feet deep, 50 feet wide and 200 feet long.

Amtrak passenger trains running from Seattle and Portland to Chicago were halted for 48 hours. Freight traffic was also temporarily suspended.

Melonas said the Amtrak trains would not be allowed through until 12:30 p.m. today for safety reasons. Freight traffic has already resumed.