BNSF slates $230 million for California capex projects

BNSF Railway Co. has planned $230 million in capital expenditures this year to expand capacity and perform scheduled maintenance work in California.

BNSF, which operates a 2,000-mile network in California, will install additional production track and new lift equipment at the Los Angeles Intermodal Facility, and extend the existing north lead track to improve switching capability at the Stockton Intermodal Facility.

On the Needles subdivision, BNSF will begin the multiyear construction of a third main track between West Needles and Ibis. The Class I will add 4 miles of quadruple main track to the existing track to expand capacity through the city of Needles.

This year's maintenance program in the state includes more than 570 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as the replacement of approximately 40 miles of rail and close to 100,000 ties.

"California is a critical part of BNSF's rail network, providing access from West Coast ports to major markets in the U.S.," said Donnie Stilwell, general manager of operations, California Division, in a press release.

Over the past five years, BNSF has spent $1 billion to to expand and maintain its network in California.

BNSF's 2018 planned capital investments in the state are part of the railroad's $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month. The investments include $2.4 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, $500 million for expansion and efficiency projects, and $100 million for continued implementation of positive train control.

Another element of the capital plan will be $300 million for freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.