BNSF slates $175 million for capex projects in Washington

(Source: Progressive Railroading 02/25/2019)

BNSF Railway Co. has budgeted $175 million in capital expenditures this year for infrastructure work in the state of Washington, the Class I announced late last week.

Much of BNSF’s 2019 capital plan in the state will focus on replacing and upgrading rail, ties and ballast, company officials said in a press release.

Over the past five years, the Class I has spent about $1 billion to expand and maintain its network in Washington. This year, the maintenance program in the state includes 820 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as the replacement of 50 miles of rail and 130,000 ties.

In addition to maintenance projects, the railroad plans to install 2 miles of new double-track along the Fallbridge Subdivision near Wishram.

“Whether it’s moving agricultural products to West Coast ports for exports or lumber from the Pacific Northwest to support construction domestically, Washington is an integral part of the BNSF rail network,” said Jon Gabriel, general manager of operations, Northwest Division. 

The Washington projects are part of BNSF’s $3.57 billion capital expenditure program for this year.