BNSF budgets nearly $3.6 billion for capex in 2019

BNSF Railway Co. will spend $3.57 billion on capital expenditures this year, up from $3.4 billion in 2018, the Class I announced yesterday.

This year's plan will continue to emphasize maintenance and expansion of the network "with an unwavering focus on operating a safe railroad that meets customers' demands," BNSF officials said in a press release.

Maintenance projects budgeted at about $2.47 billion will largely include replacing and upgrading rail infrastructure and maintaining rolling stock. Work will involve about 12,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as the replacement of 535 miles of rail and nearly 2.3 million ties.

About $760 million of this year’s capex plan will be allocated to expansion and efficiency projects. A majority of the expansion work is planned for the Northern and Southern Transcon routes, connecting Southern California with Chicago and the Pacific Northwest to upper Midwest, respectively, BNSF officials said.

Approximately $340 million will be spent on freight cars, locomotives and other equipment acquisitions.

"Our rail network is in excellent shape and its condition is a direct result of our continued capital investments," said President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Ice. "We work tirelessly to provide the level of service our customers expect and to position ourselves well for future growth opportunities."