Burlington Junction Railway: Route, Roster, History

Published: January 16, 2025

The Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY), formed in 1985, primarily provides switching services at nine different locations in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.

It may not boast the expansive reach of the Class I railroads, but the system nevertheless plays an indispensable role in efficiently connecting local industries to the broader national and international markets.

Within the railfan community the short line is famous for operating a rare C415, Alco's late model center-cab Century. It once operated two but only #702 remains on the property today.

Burlington Junction's rare C415, #702, switches a customer on the north side of Burlington, Iowa on August 22, 2008. Doug Kroll photo.

Background

Founded more than three decades ago, the Burlington Junction began as a humble endeavor to take over 3 miles of former Rock Island trackage in Burlington, Iowa. Today, this location provides short haul freight services, switching operations, locomotive repair, and transloading. Overall, it handles over 3,000 carloads annually.

From its inception, the BJRY has been focused on providing excellent customer service and fostering a close relationship with local businesses. The dedication to these principles has undoubtedly contributed to its long-term success and sustainability.

Current Operations

The Burlington Junction currently spans approximately 20 miles among its nine various operations within three states. These locations include:

Burlington, Iowa
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Le Mars, Iowa
Montgomery, Illinois
Quincy, Illinois
Rochelle, Illinois
Fenton, Missouri
Ottumwa, Iowa

Economic Importance

The BJRY plays an essential role in local economies. It provides efficient freight services that are crucial for businesses looking to transport goods like grain, chemicals, steel, wallboard, lumber, bulk liquids, dry bulk, machinery, steel rebar, specialty oversize shipments, other bulk commodities.

Future Operations

Rail transport is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to move goods across long distances. Aside from being more fuel-efficient than road transport, rail significantly reduces carbon emissions.

The Burlington Junction recognizes this and continuously works towards fostering sustainable growth practices that align with the growing need for eco-friendly logistics solutions.

Looking toward the future, BJRY is likely to continue adapting its operations - and likely to expand by adding more transload/switching operaitons.

Diesel Roster

Road Number	Model Type	Builder	Serial Number	Completion Date	Notes
9	RS-4-TC	Whitcomb	61239	2/1954	Built as U.S. Army 4009
21	C415	Alco	3458-10	12/1966	ex-Mid-Continent Railway Museum 21; ex-Nekoosa Paper Company 21; built as SP 2409
44	44 Ton	GE	15041	12/1941	Built as Washington & Old Dominion 47
701	C415	Alco	6018-01	11/1968	Sold. ex-Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad 701; built as Columbia & Cowlitz Railway 701
702	C415	Alco	3458-08	12/1966	ex-Columbia & Cowlitz 702; built as SP 2407
705	GP40	EMD	37848	9/1971	ex-NREX 3152; built as WP 3537
1502	SW1500	EMD	4620-5	4/1972	ex-BNSF 3436; ex-BN 56; built as Frisco 351
1513A	SW1500	EMD	72649-7	5/1973	Built as PL&E 1540
1513B	Slug	EMD	25745	3/1960	Built as GTW SW1200 1513
1520	SW1500	EMD	4608-17	11/1971	ex-UP 1175; built as SP 2607
1540	SW1500	EMD	72649-7	5/73	ex-Belvidere & Delaware River 1540; ex-Dominion Terminal 3; built as P&LE 1540
1607	GP16	EMD	13894	6/1951	ex-Lexington & Indiana 1607/1843; ex-CSX 1843; ex-SBD/SCL 4797; ex-SCL GP16 834; built as ACL GP7 214
1609	GP16	EMD	13917	2/1952	ex-Lexington & Indiana 1609/1840; ex-CSX 1840; ex-SBD/SCL 4794; ex-SCL GP16 760; built as ACL GP7 172
8352	GP11	EMD	13894	7/1957	ex-Paducah & Louisville 8352; ex-ICG GP11 8301; built as Reading GP7 602
8701	S13	MLW	83175	10/1959	ex-CN 8701; built as CN 8607
9628	MK1500D	MPI	19888	12/1996	Rebuilt from UP GP9 291 (9/1954)
9630	MK1500D	MPI	22695	12/1996	Rebuilt from Conrail GP9 7428. ex-PC 7428; ex-NYC 7428; built as NYC 6028
9631	MK1500D	MPI	22689	12/1996	Rebuilt from Conrail GP9 7422. ex-PC 7422; built as NYC 6022

Burlington Junction GP15-1 #572 and SW1500 #1517 are seen here at the company's Rochelle, Illinois operation on July 10, 2024, which serves an industrial park. Doug Kroll photo.

The short line is a testament to the importance of short line railroads in the broader transportation ecosystem.

By serving as crucial connectors between local businesses and global markets, short lines like BJRY are instrumental in promoting regional economic growth and ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the nation.

As industries evolve and expand, the Burlington Junction's commitment to service, flexibility, and sustainability is likely to see it remain a key player in the ever-evolving landscape of American freight transportation.

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