FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway says it will spend $2.99 billion on capital improvements in 2021, nearly equaling its $3.08 billion capital plan of 2020.
The vast majority of funding — $2.41 billion — will go to maintenance. The railroad plans to replace 428 miles of rail, approximately 2.6 million ties, and will undertake nearly 11,000 miles of track surfacing or undercutting. Another $400 million is for capacity and efficiency projects, including new double track in eastern Kansas, part of a multi-year effort to add 50 miles of additional main track on the Southern Transcon between Chicago and the West Coast, and an ongoing bridge project near Sandpoint, Idaho.
“Every year through our capital plan, we work to ensure we are able to continue to operate a safe and efficient rail network, provide our customers with the level of service they have come to expect from BNSF as well as position ourselves for future growth opportunities,” Katie Farmer, the railroad’s new CEO, said in a press release.
The plan also includes $180 million for freight cars and other equipment.
