Montana Rail Link Loses Its Lease

This news isn't exactly new, but I figured I should go over the signaling implications of the end of Montana Rail Link's lease of 400 miles of former BN Main Line in the state of Montana. 

Classic Northern Pacific Searchlit Cantilever Mast on MRL

MRL is fairly special in that it runs a high quality CTC main line with modern motive power such as SD70M-2's.  Like many regional railroads with signaling, changing out its legacy equipment was never a high priority, especially since it was PTC exempt and the the physical plant was leased not owned.  MRL's former Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern trackage is largely signaled with searchlights and GRS Type D color light signals with a mix of masts, small vintage gantries and cantilevers. 

BN vintage GRS Type D masts on MRL

MRL was in the process of having many of its legacy signals replaced by BNSF standard Darth Vader types with relay box mast combos being a popular replacement choice.  The reversion to BNSG is likely to accelerate the replacement process and although BNSF could in theory try and get a PTC exemption if it does not need to run TIH cargo on the line, provisions to make the route available for some potential passenger services make the prospect of government infrastructure money highly likely and with that comes a brand new bland signal system sooner rather than later.

Brand new BNSF type Darth Vader type signals newly installed on MRL.

As of this writing the lease termination appears to still be under review and if the limbo state accelerates and decelerates the existing re-signaling efforts remains to be seen. I recommend anyone in the area to get their photos now, the more the better.