BNSF Railway (BNSF) announced its capital investment plan for 2026, saying it demonstrated the railroad’s dedication to operating a safe and reliable network that is prepared to meet its customers’ needs.
The $3.6 billion plan will focus on maintenance and modernization, officials said.
“Our 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing our network so we can continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer said. “We prioritize investing with the future in mind, improving efficiency, adding capacity, and ensuring our railroad is always ready to support growth while delivering the dependable, resilient service our customers count on.”
The railroad said the largest component of the plan was devoted to maintenance. BNSF said it would spend $2.8 billion to ensure its network remains in top condition. Investing in its existing infrastructure would result in fewer unscheduled service outages that could reduce capacity and slow down its rail network.
Maintenance projects will include replacing and upgrading rail and track infrastructure like ballast and rail ties, and maintaining its rolling stock. The company said it will address an estimated 13,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as the replacement of 2.5 million rail ties and more than 400 miles of rail.
Another $358 million of the capital outlay will be spent on expansion and efficiency project, adding to the $2.6 billion in expansion projects the company invested in over the past five years. The planned expansion plans support BNSF customer growth by continuing to invest in facility and line project that will increase network capacity and efficiency. Those projects include completing property acquisitions and continuing development activities for the Barstow International Gateway project in California, and continuing development and construction activities for a planned intermodal facility in the Phoenix area. Other major expansion projects include track expansions at Galesburg, IL and Winslow, AZ to increase switching capacity and support service performance and asset productivity initiatives, the company said.