BNSF Announces $3.3 Billion CapEx Program in 2018
BNSF Railway Co. plans to invest $3.3 billion in capital expenditures in 2018, including $2.4 billion in maintenance projects, according to a budget outline that roughly matches the same spending as 2017.
The Class 1 railroad, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Co., will replace and upgrade more than 500 miles of rail, 3 million rail ties and ballasts while maintaining its rolling stock of locomotives. There also will be about 13,000 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work.
“Every year we work to ensure our capital investment plan enables us to continue to operate a safe and reliable rail network as well as anticipates the needs of our customers,” BNSF President Carl Ice said. “Our attention to safety and service, along with our investments in our network, provide a solid foundation for our ability to grow with our customers today and in the future.”
Nearly $500 million of the capital expenses will be for expansion and efficiency projects along BNSF’s southern and northern Transcon routes, connecting Southern California with Chicago and the Pacific Northwest to Upper Midwest, respectively.
The company also has allocated $100 million for positive train control as it moves toward meeting the Dec. 31 implementation deadline. Another $300 million will go to new freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.
