BNSF outlines Illinois capital program

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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BNSF plans to invest an estimated $145 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Illinois this year.

 

BNSF will replace two bridges in Princeton and Wyanet and construct a new siding 7,600 feet long between Barstow and Hillsdale. Three departure tracks at the Galesburg Yard will be extended to a length of 10,000 feet each and track and parking will be added to BNSF’s Logistics Park Chicago and Corwith Intermodal facilities in the Chicago area.

BNSF will also continue its maintenance program in Illinois, which will include about 2,700 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work and the replacement of 90 miles of rail and more than 150,000 crossties, as well as signal upgrades for positive train control.

“BNSF’s capital investments in Illinois will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail,” said Matthew Rose, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are focused on investing to meet our customers’ expectations and on expanding capacity where growth is occurring. Given the importance of a low cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Illinois compete in global markets.”

The planned capital investments in Illinois are part of BNSF’s record 2013 capital commitment of $4.3 billion. The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.3 billion on BNSF’s core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions, many of which will serve Illinois. The program also includes about $200 million for positive train control and $800 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

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