BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced its 2017 capital investments will total about $3.4 billion, with Texas receiving $255 million of that total.
“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 CEO. “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.”
Similar to last year’s $3.9 billion plan, replacing and maintaining BNSF’s core network and related assets will be the largest part of that total, about $2.4 billion. The projects included in this part of the plan will primarily be for replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast and maintaining its rolling stock. This year’s maintenance program will include approximately 20,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work and the replacement of about 600 miles of rail and nearly 3 million rail ties.
About $400 million of the capital investment will be for expansion projects, $100 million for the implementation of positive train control and $400 million for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.
The states on the BNSF network estimated to receive the largest 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