MILES CITY — The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has been approved to drive through Miles City at up to 60 mph, but some city officials aren’t happy.
The Billings Gazette reports that the Federal Railroad Administration increased the speed for BNSF’s track through the city several weeks ago.
Miles City Mayor Butch Grenz says residents of the town are upset about the change. Miles City sits between the rail hubs of Glendive and Forsyth and BNSF’s rail bisects the town.
BNSF spokesman for Montana Matt Jones says the company had nothing to do with the increased speeds. The speed limit change was a governmental decision.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana wrote BNSF last week asking for railroad officials to meet with Miles City residents to review the speed change.