BNSF budgets $3.96 billion for capital projects in 2023

BNSF Railway Co. yesterday announced it would spend $3.96 billion this year on capital projects.

This year’s capital plan exceeds the $3.55 billion the Class I invested in capital commitments in 2022 and $2.97 billion in 2021.

The largest component of the 2023 plan — $2.85 billion — will be spent on maintenance of BNSF's core network and related assets, company officials said in a press release.

"Our capital plan reflects our growth mindset and commitment to having the capacity and equipment we need to support our customers. Continued investment in our network through our capital plans helps ensure we run a safe, efficient and growing railroad that provides customers with the service they expect from BNSF," said Katie Farmer, president and CEO.

Maintenance projects this year will include replacing and upgrading rail and track infrastructure, like ballast and rail ties, and maintaining rolling stock. The work calls for nearly 14,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work and the replacement of 346 miles of rail and 2.8 million rail ties. In addition, $402 million is budgeted for equipment acquisitions.

Over $700 million of the plan will go toward expansion and efficiency projects, adding to the nearly $2.5 billion spent on expansion over the past five years. This year's expansion plan will support the growth of BNSF's intermodal, automotive, agricultural and industrial products customer base, company officials said.

Following are some of the specific projects BNSF has budgeted in 2023:

• On its Southern Transcon route between the West Coast and Midwest, BNSF will begin construction of a second bridge over the Missouri River at Sibley, Missouri, completing double track for one of the last segments of single track along the Southern Transcon;
• Several segments of track will be added in eastern Kansas and Southern California;
• Crews will begin a multiyear terminal and fueling project near Belen, New Mexico;
• A second main track expansion will be completed in Fort Worth, Texas;
• Work will begin on a multiyear double track project near Spokane, Washington, over the Spokane River and construction of a siding near Pasco;
• Multiyear intermodal facility expansion projects will continue in Chicago and Stockton, California; and
• Track efficiency improvement work will continue in San Bernardino, California, along with property acquisitions in the Barstow area, enabling future rail facility and infrastructure development for the Barstow International Gateway Project.