Railway company keeping lanes closed after derailment

COCOLALLA — BNSF Railway officials have asked the Idaho Transportation Department to keep both southbound lanes of U.S. 95 closed for the next 24 to 48 hours after a train hauling grain derailed 10 miles north of Athol on Monday.

Multiple train cars derailed close to the roadway, spilling grain and posing a danger to drivers on U.S. 95. BNSF immediately closed southbound lanes to travel, placing flaggers on the road to direct two-way traffic on the northbound lanes.

ITD engineers have been unable to determine the extent of the damage the derailment caused. Primary concern focuses on an approach to U.S. 95 where the cars derailed.

ITD will continue to work with BNSF to ensure safe travel near the derailment.