BNSF plans $90 million capital program in Minnesota for 2018

Date
Mar 9, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2018 capital expenditure program in Minnesota will be approximately $90 million. To ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network, this year’s plan in Minnesota 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.

Over the past five years, BNSF has invested approximately $810 million to expand and maintain its network in Minnesota. This year, the maintenance program in Minnesota includes more than 750 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of nearly 20 miles of rail and close to 170,000 ties.

“As a part of the Great Northern Corridor, Minnesota serves as a crucial link between the Pacific Northwest and Chicago, ensuring that every year BNSF moves more than 140,000 carloads of Minnesota corn, wheat, soybeans and other agricultural products, as well as large quantities of timber and paper products to both global and domestic markets,” said Chad Sundem, general manager of operations, Twin Cities Division. “By performing regular maintenance, we continue to ensure the safety and reliability of our network in Minnesota.”

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 for expansion and efficiency projects and $100 million for continued implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). 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.