Legacy

...Steve had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for opportunity. Despite having no prior railroad experience, Steve bought three miles of track in Burlington out of the Rock Island bankruptcy. It was an old spur half covered with Mississippi River mud and still serving a few customers. With the acquisition of the first locomotive, a GE-44 from a sugar beet facility in Colorado, and Bob Wingate as the General Manager, operations began in 1985.

Steve and Bob, along with a team of dedicated employees, worked together for over 35 years to grow BJRY to what it has become today, a shortline railroad known for its commitment to safety and customer service.  It has grown to have operations in eight cities in three states. Burlington Junction Railway has been recognized three times by the BNSF Railroad as Short line of the Year.  Additionally, it has received special recognition awards and has been recognized as a BNSF Premier Transloader. BNSF names Burlington Junction Railway ‘Shortline of the Year’