BNSF plans $3.4 billion capital plan for 2017

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced a $3.4 billion capital expenditure plan for 2017.

 

 

The plan’s top priority is replacement and maintenance work on BNSF’s core network and related assets, officials say, which is expected to cost $2.4 billion. Projects related to this work will include replacing and upgrading rail, crossties and ballast and maintaining the railroad’s rolling stock.

The railroad’s maintenance program for 2017 will entail roughly 20,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as replacing about 600 miles of rail and nearly 3 million crossties.

“Each year we establish a capital plan that reflects the future needs of our customers and the constant need to keep our infrastructure in good working condition. This year’s capital plan ensures we continue to operate a safe and reliable rail network while capturing the new opportunities our customers will present to us,” said Carl Ice, BNSF president and chief executive officer. “Our ongoing investments, along with the outstanding efforts of our employees, resulted in the lowest number of derailments in company history last year. The strength and condition of our railroad today gives us the confidence that we will operate safely in the communities we serve and meet our customers’ expectations of reliable and consistent service.”

The capital expenditure plan also includes $400 million for expansion projects,  $400 million for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions and $100 million to support the implementation of positive train control.

 

The states within the BNSF network that are expected to see the most substantial investments this year include:

 

Texas – $255 million Illinois – $190 million Washington – $175 million California – $170 million Kansas – $125 million Missouri – $120 million Montana – $100 million Nebraska – $100 million

 

Original author: Kyra Senese, assistant editor