BNSF to pour $3.6B into network upgrades this year

BNSF Railway has announced a $3.6 billion capital investment plan for 2026. The Class I railroad says the spending demonstrates its commitment to operating a safe and reliable network prepared to handle anticipated customer needs.

Katie Farmer, BNSF President and CEO, said the 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing the network. The company prioritizes investing for the future while improving efficiency and adding capacity.

“We’re ensuring our railroad is always ready to support growth while delivering the dependable, resilient service our customers count on,” Farmer said.

BNSF will devote $2.8 billion to maintenance, the largest component of this year’s capital plan. The spending ensures the network remains in top condition.

Investing in existing infrastructure results in fewer unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity.

The maintenance projects will include replacing and upgrading rail, track infrastructure like ballast and rail ties, and maintaining rolling stock. The work will consist of approximately 13,000 miles of track surfacing and undercutting. BNSF will replace 2.5 million rail ties and more than 400 miles of rail.

BNSF designated $358 million of the capital plan for expansion and efficiency projects in 2026. This adds to the $2.6 billion invested in expansion projects over the past five years.

This year’s expansion plans support customer growth by investing in facility and line projects that will increase network capacity and efficiency.

Major facility projects include completing property acquisitions and continuing development activities for the planned Barstow International Gateway project in California. BNSF will continue development and start construction activities for a future intermodal facility in the Phoenix area.

Major line expansion projects include track expansions at Galesburg, Illinois and Winslow, Arizona yards. The expansions will increase switching capacity, supporting network service performance and asset productivity initiatives.

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