BNSF plans $105 million capital program in Oklahoma for 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 4, 2019 – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2019 capital expenditure program in Oklahoma will be approximately $105 million. 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. By remaining focused on maintenance projects, BNSF can continue to operate a safe and reliable rail network.
This year, the maintenance program in Oklahoma includes approximately 570 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of nearly 25 miles of rail and more than 150,000 ties. Between 2014 and 2018, BNSF invested more than $570 million to expand and maintain its network in Oklahoma.
“Nearly 5 million carloads of freight move along BNSF lines in Oklahoma each year and it’s important that those loads move safely and efficiently,” said Janssen Thompson, general manager of operations, Red River Division. “The maintenance projects planned in Oklahoma this year will help us to continue to meet customer expectations by keeping the network running smoothly.”
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.
