BNSF Announces $3.92B Capital Investment Plan
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
BNSF photo.
BNSF Railway (BNSF) on Jan. 24 announced its 2024 capital investment plan of $3.92 billion, which the Class I says will “play a key role in its ability to operate a safe and reliable network while supporting the anticipated needs of its customers.”
According to BNSF, the largest component of this year’s capital plan, $2.88 billion, is devoted to maintaining the railroad’s core network and related assets. “Investing in BNSF’s existing infrastructure ensures the railroad is in top condition, which results in less unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity,” the Class I said.
Maintenance projects include replacing and upgrading rail; track infrastructure, such as ballast and rail ties; and maintaining its rolling stock. The projects will consist of nearly 13,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work and the replacement of 365 miles of rail and approximately 2.8 million rail ties. Approximately $440 million of this year’s capital plan is for equipment acquisitions.
Just under $600 million of this year’s capital plan will be for expansion and efficiency projects, adding to the nearly $2.6 billion invested in expansion projects over the past five years. “This year’s expansion plans support the growth of all our customers across our network,” BNSF said.
On its Southern Transcon route, between the West Coast and the Midwest, BNSF will support traffic growth by completing two multi-year projects that it says, “will increase capacity throughout the corridor.” These include the addition of several segments of new track in Eastern Kansas and terminal and fueling improvements near Belen, N.Mex. In Illinois, BNSF will continue multi-year intermodal facility expansion projects in Chicago (Cicero). In California, BNSF will continue property acquisitions and development activities for the planned Barstow International Gateway project and complete a multi-year track efficiency improvement project in San Bernardino.
“This year’s capital plan reflects our continued commitment to growth, by ensuring we have the capacity and equipment needed to support our customers,” said BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer. “We continue to invest in our network to ensure we run our railroad as safely and efficiently as possible, while building upon the strong service our customers expect.”
