USA: BSFN Announces $100million Investment in New Mexico

Image courtesy of BSFN

BSFN Railway Company have announced a $100million plan for its 2016 capital expenditure programme in New Mexico to focus on projects to support BSFN’s network management . The 2016 funding will reflect increased freight demand.

Steve Curtright, BNSF general manager of operations, Southwest Division said:

“New Mexico plays an important part in the success of our overall network and the broader economy. At BNSF we will always remain focused on operating a safe and reliable network while helping connect products with key consumer markets across our nation and the world.”

A key part of BSFN’s activities over the next year will be infrastructure upgrades – replacing tracks, rail ties and ballasts and to enhance its regular maintenance activities over 900miles of track. 15 miles of track will be replaced, 195,000 ties will be renewed and signals will be upgraded to meet standards for federally mandated positive train control (PTC). The programme is an extension of the $325million already invested by BSFN’s New Mexico operations over the last three years.

Other projects in New Mexico will include the installation of a new bridge and second track across the Pecos River and the installation of a double track near Fort Sumner. These two projects will mean that all but four miles of BSFN’s 2,000 miles Southern Transcon route between the West Coast and Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Kansas City will be double-tracked.

BSFN’s investment in its network nationwide totals $4.3billion, including $2.8billion to replace and maintain core network assets, $500million on expansion and efficiency programmes, $300million on the ongoing implementation of PTC and $600million on rolling stock and equipment.