BNSF announces $135 million capital program in Illinois for 2019
CHICAGO, March 4, 2019 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2019 capital expenditure program in Illinois will be approximately $135 million. Most of this year’s plan in Illinois remains focused on maintenance projects to ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable rail network. 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.
“As a national rail hub, Illinois plays an important role in our country’s transportation network,” said, Jason Jenkins, general manager of operations, Chicago Division. “This capital investment helps maintain a world class rail system that drives the state’s economy by linking it to markets around the world.”
This year, the maintenance program in Illinois includes approximately 810 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of nearly 25 miles of rail and close to 50,000 ties. BNSF has invested more than $1.2 billion to expand and maintain its network in Illinois over the past five years.
In Chicago, the company plans to add additional parking capacity at its Corwith Intermodal Facility.
The 2019 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.57 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last 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.