BNSF Railway announced its 2021 capital investment plan of $2.99 billion. This year’s capital plan focuses on projects that support the company’s growth and efficiency objectives, while maintaining a strong and reliable railroad.
“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,” said Katie Farmer, BNSF Railway president and CEO.
The largest component of this year’s capital plan will be to replace and maintain BNSF’s core network and related assets, similar to last year’s $3.08 billion capital program. Maintaining the railroad results in fewer unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity.
The 2021 plan’s maintenance component is $2.41 billion and includes projects that replace and upgrade rail and track infrastructure like ballast and rail ties—the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate—and maintain its rolling stock. This includes nearly 11,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work and the replacement of 428 miles of rail and approximately 2.6 million rail ties. Click here to read more!
