BNSF Plans $125 Million Capital Program in Oklahoma to Improve and Expand Rail Capacity

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) plans to invest an estimated $125 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Oklahoma this year.

BNSFs 2013 capacity improvement projects in Oklahoma include constructing 3.5 miles of new second main track between Sequoyah and DeGroat; constructing a new siding near Camp; extending existing sidings near Morrison and Mannford; constructing a bypass connection at Cherokee yard in Tulsa for BNSFs lines to Avard and Springfield, Missouri; constructing a connection track at Avard between the line to Tulsa and BNSFs Transcon route between Chicago and the Southwest; and replacing a bridge near Ponca City, Okla.

BNSF will continue its robust track maintenance program in Oklahoma, which will include more than 2,200 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, the replacement of 60 miles of rail and about 225,000 ties, as well as significant signal upgrades for the federally mandated positive train control (PTC).

BNSFs capital investments in Oklahoma will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail, said Matthew K. 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 Oklahoma compete in global markets.

The planned capital investments in Oklahoma are part of BNSFs 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 Oklahoma. The program also includes about $200 million for positive train control and $800 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

Unlike other modes of transportation, U.S. freight railroads use their own private dollars, not tax dollars, to build and maintain their freight rail networks. Since the year 2000, BNSF has invested more than $42 billion to improve and expand its freight rail network.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North Americas leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two 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. BNSFs 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 http://www.BNSF.com.

Here is the original post:
BNSF Plans $125 Million Capital Program in Oklahoma to Improve and Expand Rail Capacity