BNSF plans $92 million capital program in Oklahoma to Maintain and Improve Rail Capacity
July 3, 2012 / Updated July 6, 2012
Class 1 Railroads
BNSF Railway Co. is spending $92 million in track maintenance and rail capacity improvements in Oklahoma in 2012. Above, BNSF rolls through northeastern Oklahoma. By Tim Blackwell / Cowcatcher Magazine
BNSF Railway Co. is pumping $92 million into track maintenance and rail capacity improvements in Oklahoma in 2012.
BNSF, headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, will surface and undercut 667 miles of track and replace another 29 miles of rail. Signal upgrades will also be made to comply with the federally mandated positive train control (PTC) program.
The capital improvements are part of the company’s $3.9 billion commitment, which also includes locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions. BNSF plans to spend $1.1 billion on equipment and another $300 million on PTC installations.
“Investment in BNSF’s network in Oklahoma is an investment in Oklahoma jobs and competitiveness, and will ensure our infrastructure remains strong and efficient to better serve Oklahoma shippers and the state’s economy,” said Matthew K. Rose, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
On Jan. 1, 2024, BNSF Railway took over operations on the storied Montana Rail Link after a lease agreement between the railroads dating to the late 1980s was cut short. BNSF says operating as one railroad will bring benefits to customers and opportunities for freight growth in the region through enhanced capacity and stronger service. In some respects, the company views MRL's integration as a reunion.
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