North American freight transportation provider BNSF Railway Company has announced plans to invest nearly $230m in the US state of California under its 2018 capital expenditure programme.
Besides scheduled maintenance programmes, the company will carry out multiple capacity expansion projects in the state with this investment.
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BNSF California operations general manager Donnie Stilwell said: “California is a critical part of BNSF’s rail network, providing access from West Coast ports to major markets in the US.
“By committing to ongoing maintenance projects and enhancements in the state, we are showing our dedication to Californians to run a safe, reliable and efficient railroad.”
This year, the company will start construction of a third main track between West Needles and Ibis on the Needles subdivision.
About four miles of quadruple main track will also be added to the existing triple track through the city of Needles to boost its capacity.
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By GlobalDataThe scope of works also includes the installation of an additional production track and lift equipment at the Los Angeles Intermodal Facility, extension of the north lead track at the Stockton Intermodal Facility to improve switching capability.
As part of the maintenance programme, BNSF will carry out 570 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work. It will also replace nearly 40 miles of rail and around 100,000 ties in the state.
Over the past five years, the company has invested more than $1bn into California to maintain and expand its nearly 2,000-mile network in the state.
Last month, BNSF announced a $3.3bn network-wide capital expenditure programme.
Under the programme, about $2.4bn will be invested to maintain the core network and related assets, $500m for expansion projects and $300m to acquire new freight cars and equipment.
The remaining $100m will be used to implement Positive Train Control (PTC), a system of requirements for monitoring and controlling train movement.
