BNSF operates a 2,000-mile network in California and has invested approximately $1 billion to expand and maintain its network in the state over the past five years. In 2018, additional production track and new lift equipment will be installed at the Los Angeles Intermodal Facility. At the Stockton Intermodal Facility, BNSF will extend the existing north lead track to improve switching capability.
On the Needles subdivision, BNSF will begin the multi-year construction of a third main track between West Needles and Ibis. Capacity through the city of Needles will also be expanded by adding approximately four miles of quadruple main track to the existing triple track.
The 2018 maintenance program in California includes more than 570 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work as well as the replacement of approximately 40 miles of rail and close to 100,000 ties.
“California is a critical part of BNSF’s rail network, providing access from West Coast ports to major markets in the U.S. By committing to ongoing maintenance projects and enhancements in the state, we are showing our dedication to Californians to run a safe, reliable and efficient railroad,” said Donnie Stilwell, general manager of operations, California Division.
The 2018 planned capital investments in the state are part of BNSF’s $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced in February. These investments include $2.4 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, approximately $500 million for expansion and efficiency projects and $100 million for continued implementation of positive train control. Another element of its capital plan will be $300 million for freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.
— A BNSF Railway news release. March 27, 2018.
“…adding approximately four miles of quadruple main track to the existing triple track.” That’s seven tracks. Perhaps adding only one track will raise it to quadruple.
The closest BNSF comes to me is my new backyard. I am cutting junk trees down on my side of the fence. Can’t wait for the new house to get started. My recliner will have a clear view of the tracks.
Sam prest, the city of Needles has no railroad grade crossings so there shouldn’t be any backlash from the public. There are only two crossings. One goes under the tracks and the other is a freeway overpass. I am a conductor for the BNSF and work that territory every day. The nearest grade crossing is at IBIS which is about 10 miles west of town.
One sort of wonders what the ‘Locals’ will think of having to cross those 4 lines of track, OR to have to detour around the potential for ‘parked trains’ within that community? Being Caliifornia, the guessing will be who screams first; the Local Pols, The Bridge Construction, or the Consolidated NIMBY Alliances? Big Winners, of course, will be The’ Suits’!
I hated to have to give up my BNSF stock for Berhshire Hathway, but it was worth it to see Uncle Warren let them run it the right way instead of the suiting a bunch of stock traders.
STEVE BAUER – BNSF has its way, CSX has its way. CSX’s way is a railroad with no customers, no trains, no traffic, no need to think or plan, no need even to come to work on a Monday morning. If that works for CSX, who are we to say otherwise. CSX’s only mistake was to propose (while EHH was still around) to single-track its Albany to Chicago main line. It would make far more sense to zero-track it. Take up both tracks and sell them for scrap. CSX would be well on its way to perfection: the first railroad to consume a perfect zero gallons of diesel fuel, the first railroad with an OR of zero-point-zero.
Awesome railroad. Nearest to our home LaGrange Illinois, is about 105 miles by car or a two-seat train ride. A trip we make frequently. Both the former CB&Q or the former ATSF, doesn’t matter, I was a huge fan of both.
See what happens when the goal isn’t some random OR target regardless of the consequences?
BNSF is fast becoming my favorite railroad. I wish I could get track side on it more. The closest they come to me is Birmingham, Ala.
STEVE – No you didn’t mention CSX in your post. I just mis-used your post as my excuse for a CSX rant. Could it be UPRR? I’m no big fan of UP, but that’s mostly on railfan level,
Charles, did I specifically mention CSX in my post? I think you might be a little surprised who I was thinking of.
KIP WILLIAM GRANT – With all my confidence in BNSF to run its own railroad, no. Picking up what’s left of CSX would be a bridge too far.
As I’ve stated many a time, BNSF-CSX would be the best solution. Albeit that NS is probably their preferred option. BH saving the residual CSX from it’s self-destruction would suit me just fine. Uncle Warren – PLEASE step in and save us from a debacle east of the Mississippi.
Hmm. Next step is to change the name of the Southwest Chief to the Broadway Limited.
Exactly. BH means they don’t need to focus on short term profits and stock prices.