BNSF plans $80 million capital program in New Mexico for 2019

Date
Feb 20, 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M., February 20, 2019 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2019 capital expenditure program in New Mexico will be approximately $80 million. Maintenance projects to ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network account for a majority of this year’s plan in New Mexico. Those projects consist of replacing and upgrading the main components for the tracks on which BNSF trains operate including rail, rail ties and ballast.

Nearly 4.5 million carloads of freight move along BNSF lines in New Mexico annually. The 2019 maintenance program in New Mexico includes more than 850 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of approximately 20 miles of rail and more than 200,000 ties. BNSF has invested approximately $555 million to expand and maintain its network in the state over the past five years.

On the Clovis Subdivision in Belen, BNSF will begin a project to extend its quadruple main tracks to enhance capacity along the Southern Transcon route.

“The Southern Transcon is the primary route for BNSF’s intermodal franchise. Building upon our investments totaling more than $1 billion in 2018 on the route, the extension of the quadruple track in Belen highlights our commitment to provide a safe, efficient and reliable network to our customers,” said Keary Walls, general manager of operations, Southwest 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.