BNSF plans $160m capital program in Washington

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced that its 2018 capital expenditure program in Washington will be approximately $160m. To ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network, this year’s plan in Washington remains focused on maintenance projects.

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. Keeping the network infrastructure in optimal condition reduces the need for unscheduled service work that can slow down the BNSF rail network and reduce capacity.

Vice President, Corporate Relations, Zak Andersen said: “Freight rail helps connect local businesses with the global supply chain. This is particularly critical in a state where 40 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. Whether its agricultural products moving to markets overseas or lumber and construction materials moving into other U.S. markets, we remain focused on operating a safe, reliable and efficient railroad for our customers and the end consumer.”

Over the past five years, BNSF has invested approximately $940m to expand and maintain its network in Washington. This year, the maintenance program in Washington includes approximately 490 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of about 40 miles of rail and close to 230,000 ties.

Along the Fallbridge Subdivision, BNSF plans to install new double-track between Washougal and Mt. Pleasant. The company will also begin to install new double-track along the Spokane Subdivision between Hauser, Idaho and Spokane. Two bridge replacement projects are also slated to begin this year in Home Valley and North Bonneville. The construction of a new unloading track and additional parking capacity at the Orillia Automotive Facility is also planned for 2018.

The 2018 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.3bn network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month. These investments include $2.4bn to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $500m on expansion and efficiency projects and $100m for continued implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).

For more information visit www.bnsf.com

12th Feb 2018