BNSF plans $180 million capital program in Montana for 2016

Date
Mar 2, 2016

Fort Worth, Texas – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2016 capital expenditure program in Montana will be about $180 million. This year’s plan in Montana is focused on maintenance projects that help ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable network and reflects the success BNSF has had in adding capacity in prior years to support customer demand. 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. Regular maintenance of the railroad allows BNSF to keep its network infrastructure in optimal condition and reduces the need for unscheduled service work that can slow down the BNSF rail network and reduce capacity.

“At BNSF we will always remain focused on operating the safest and most reliable network able to deliver Montana agricultural goods, wood products and energy commodities to markets across our nation and the world,” said Dan Fransen, BNSF general manager of operations, Montana Division.

BNSF’s maintenance program in Montana includes more than 950 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, the replacement of about 120 miles of rail and close to 285,000 ties, as well as signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control (PTC). This year’s capital projects in the state also include installing a Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) signaling project and a siding extension on the Dickinson Subdivision, between Glendive and Wibaux, as well as extending three sidings and installing CTC along the Forsyth Subdivision. These projects will help manage rail traffic while improving train flows. This year’s plan follows more than $500 million invested by BNSF in its network in Montana over the past three years.

The 2016 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $4.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month. These investments include $2.8 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $500 million on expansion and efficiency projects, $300 million for continued implementation of PTC and more than $600 million for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.

About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 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. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.