BNSF plans $165 million capital program in Kansas for 2019

Date
Feb 27, 2019

KANSAS CITY, Kansas, February 27, 2019 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2019 capital expenditure program in Kansas will be approximately $165 million. The largest component of this year’s capital plan in the state will be for replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast, which are the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate, ensuring BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network.

Since 2014, BNSF has invested approximately $830 million to expand and maintain its network in Kansas. This year, the maintenance program in Kansas includes about 560 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of nearly 30 miles of rail and about 120,000 ties. To support increased intermodal traffic, BNSF plans to begin a multi-year project to install double track on portions of the Emporia Subdivision, which runs between Wellington and Kansas City.

“Because of BNSF’s projects in the state, Kansans can find comfort in knowing that the 4 million carloads of freight we move each year in their state will arrive safely at their destination,” said Ben Sharpe, general manager of operations, Kansas Division.

The 2019 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.57 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced earlier this month. These investments include roughly $2.47 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $760 million on expansion and efficiency projects and about $340 million for freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.

 

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve.