BNSF plans $120 million capital program in Missouri for 2018

Date
Feb 14, 2018

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, February 14, 2018 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2018 capital expenditure program in Missouri will be approximately $120 million. This year’s plan in Missouri remains focused on maintenance projects to ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network. The largest component of this year’s capital plan in the state will be for replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast, which are the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate.

Over the past five years, BNSF has invested about $1 billion to expand and maintain its network in Missouri. This year, the maintenance program in Missouri includes approximately 730 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of nearly 30 miles of rail and about 220,000 ties. The changeout of the bridge over the Grand River near Bosworth will also be completed this year.

“Missouri’s position at the geographic center of the U.S. makes it a crucial point in our nation’s supply chain. These maintenance and expansion projects help ensure Missouri continues to move freight across our nation, including agricultural products from farmers across the state and consumer products making their way to U.S. markets from West Coast ports,” said Ben Sharpe, general manager of operations, Heartland Division.

The 2018 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month. These investments include $2.4 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $500 million on expansion and efficiency projects and $100 million for continued implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). BNSF has completed the installation of PTC on all its federally mandated subdivisions and is currently running hundreds of trains daily with PTC as it tests revenue service across its mandated territory. Another element of its capital plan will be $300 million for freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.

 

About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve.