BNSF details capital expenditure programs in six states totaling $1.63 billion

The railway announced spending plans for Nebraska ($226 million), Minnesota ($326 million), Washington ($189 million), Illinois ($339 Million), North Dakota ($326 Million) and Texas ($223 million).    BNSF Railway Company detailed its 2015 capital expenditure programs in the states of Nebraska ($226 million), Minnesota ($326 million), Washington ($189 million), Illinois ($339 Million), North Dakota ($326 Million) and Texas ($223 million).
   The railway will invest the total $1.63 billion as part of its previously-announced $6 billion 2015 program, the company’s largest planned capital expenditure in its history, to maintain and expand rail capacity and ensure safe, reliable operations.
   Investments include $2.9 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, nearly $1.5 billion on expansion and efficiency projects, $200 million for continued implementation of PTC and $1.4 billion for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.
   Unlike other modes of freight transportation, U.S. railroads own and maintain their own networks.
   “Continuous maintenance of BNSF’s infrastructure ensures an optimized, safe and reliable network,” the company said in a statement. “Maintaining the railroad is important for keeping it in optimal condition and helps limit the need for unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity.”
   The railway’s maintenance programs in Nebraska, Minnesota, Washington, Illinois, North Dakota and Texas will include an estimated total of 7,600 miles of track surfacing and undercutting, replacing nearly 441 miles of rail and over 1.57 million ties, as well as signal upgrades for federally-mandated positive train control (PTC).
   BNSF Railway operates 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states, and three Canadian provinces.