USA: BNSF is planning to spend $3·57bn under its 2019 capital investment plan, up from $3·4bn in 2018 and 2017. It said the emphasis would continue to be on maintaining and expanding its 52 000 route-km network in 28 US states and three Canadian provinces.

The infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance component of this year’s plan totals $2·47bn. This includes the replacement of 850 km of rail and nearly 2·3 million sleepers.

Approximately $760m has been allocated for expansion and efficiency projects. The majority of the planned works are on the northern and southern trans-continental routes connecting southern California with Chicago and the Pacific Northwest to the Upper Midwest. Locomotive and wagon acquisitions are expected to total $340m.

‘Our rail network is in excellent shape and its condition is a direct result of our continued capital investments’, said President & CEO Carl Ice on February 13. ‘We work tirelessly to provide the level of service our customers expect and to position ourselves well for future growth opportunities.’