BNSF announces $95 million capital plan in Minnesota for 2019

Date
Feb 26, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, February 26, 2019 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced plans to spend about $95 million on its capital expenditure program in Minnesota in 2019. Most of this year’s capital plan in the state will be dedicated to replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast, which are the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate. Planned maintenance activities help ensure BNSF can continue to operate a safe and reliable rail network, which is why BNSF has invested approximately $840 million to expand and maintain its network in Minnesota since 2014. This year, the maintenance program in Minnesota includes about 340 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of about 30 miles of rail and more than 250,000 ties.

“By planning regular maintenance activities we can continue to operate trains in Minnesota safely and efficiently, giving our customers the service they expect,” said Chad Sundem, general manager of operations, Twin Cities Division. “In addition to the agricultural products we move in the state – including corn, wheat and soybeans – we also move large quantities of timber, paper products and taconite from Minnesota to other markets.”

The 2019 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.57 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced earlier this month. These investments include roughly $2.47 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $760 million on expansion and efficiency projects and about $340 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.