BNSF budgets $3.6B for capital expenditures in 2026

BNSF Railway yesterday announced a $3.6 billion capital investment plan for 2026. The Class I had budgeted $3.8 billion for capital investments in 2025.

The largest component of the plan, $2.8 billion, is devoted to maintenance, which ensures the network remains in top condition, BNSF officials said in a press release.  Investing in existing infrastructure results in fewer unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity, they added.

The maintenance projects will include replacing and upgrading rail, track infrastructure such as ballast and rail ties, and maintaining rolling stock. BNSF is planning approximately 13,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, and the replacement of 2.5 million rail ties and more than 400 miles of rail.

Also this year, $358 million of the capital plan is designated for expansion and efficiency projects, adding to the $2.6 billion invested in expansion projects over the past five years. This year’s expansion plans support customer growth by continuing to invest in facility and line projects that will increase network capacity and efficiency, BNSF officials said.

Major facility projects include completing property acquisitions and continuing development activities for the planned Barstow International Gateway project in California and continuing development and starting construction activities for a future intermodal facility in the Phoenix area.

Major line expansion projects include track expansions at yards in Galesburg, Illinois, and Winslow, Arizona, to increase switching capacity and to support network service performance and rail-car and locomotive productivity efforts.

“Our 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing our network so we can continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” said BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer.