BNSF Railway says it plans to invest about $125 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement and expansion projects in Washington State in 2013, an increase of almost $20 million from what it spent in 2012.
Last year, the railway spent about $106 million on Washington state maintenance and rail capacity projects, including the construction of a new lead to access the Port of Longview, as well as signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control.
The railway’s 2013 Washington capacity enhancement projects include construction of two receiving and departure tracks nearly 7,000 feet long at BNSF’s Delta yard in Everett, expanding its automotive distribution facility at Orillia to support growth in new automobile traffic and signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control (PTC).
“BNSF’s capital investments in Washington will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail,” BNSF Chairman and CEO Matthew K. Rose said. “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 US economy,” Rose said, “our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Washington compete in global markets.”
The railway also says it plans to continue a significant track maintenance program in Washington, including almost 2,800 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, the replacement of about 175 miles of rail, and 110,000 railroad ties.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
