BNSF’s California capital program includes terminal, maintenance projects
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Port of Los Angeles
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $100 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in California this year.
BNSF’s 2013 capacity enhancement projects in California include preliminary design work for the Southern California International Gateway. The railroad says this facility will eliminate millions of truck miles from the 710 Freeway and will feature electric, wide-span cranes, ultra-low emission switching locomotives and low-emission rail yard equipment.
BNSF will also expand its automotive facility in San Bernardino by adding parking and track to support growth in new automobile traffic and will construct a connection track between BNSF and Union Pacific mainlines in the Richmond area.
BNSF will continue its track maintenance program in California, which will include 2,300 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, the replacement of more than 100 miles of rail and more than 300,000 crossties, as well as signal upgrades for positive train control.
“BNSF’s capital investments in California 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 California compete in global markets.”
