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BNSF Railway Co. will invest millions this year to expand capacity — just not as many millions as in 2007. The Class I has budgeted $2.45 billion for capital improvements in 2008, including $200 million for capacity expansion projects vs. $350 million last year. In 2007, BNSF's capital spending budget stood at $2.6 billion.

This year, the railroad plans to lease 200 locomotives at a cost of about $400 million, and spend $200 million to build track and facilities. Capacity expansion projects include the continuation of double- and triple-track construction along the southern Transcon line; a new second mainline across Abo Canyon in New Mexico; the installation of double track along coal routes in Nebraska and Wyoming; expansions to intermodal facilities in Kansas City, Mo., Los Angeles and Memphis, Tenn.; and new sidings between Houston and Fort Worth, Texas.

"For 2008, BNSF currently expects to spend more than $1.8 billion to keep our infrastructure strong by refreshing track, signal systems, structures and freight cars, and upgrading technologies," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Rose in a prepared statement.