BNSF Resilient Frogs

To keep freight moving safely and reliably, we look for ways to eliminate service interruptions, and data shows most interruptions occur around switches. A switch changes the direction of a moving train and has several parts, including switch points that move to guide a train onto a different track. The frog is the crossing inside the switch where train wheels pass; traditional frogs have a gap that causes friction and wear and can force trains to slow to 10 mph until the frog is repaired or replaced. Our signal team is upgrading power switches with movable point frogs, which eliminate that gap. Because the frog moves with the switch, trains can pass at normal speed, maintenance is less frequent, and service consistency improves for customers across our network. This upgrade will help reduce delays and keep supply chains moving.