OREANDA-NEWS. BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) announced that its 2015 capital program for its operations in Nebraska will be an estimated USD 226 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance. Unlike other modes of freight transportation, U.S. railroads own and maintain their own networks. To ensure BNSF's network operates at optimal efficiency, each year the company allocates capital for infrastructure and expansion projects that will enable it to serve the growing needs of customers from a broad cross section of the economy.

"This year's substantial investments in Nebraska are a clear reflection of how important our operations in the state are to our overall network and our unwavering commitment to always operating safely - for our people and the communities in which we operate," said Janssen Thompson, BNSF general manager operations Nebraska Division. "We know our customers are competing in a fast-paced, global economy where a smooth, efficient supply chain can be the difference between winning and losing in the marketplace. This year's planned expansion and maintenance projects will help give BNSF the capacity flexibility it needs to support our customers' growing demands and connect Nebraska products to key markets."

BNSF's 2015 capital projects in Nebraska include constructing two double track segments on the Ravenna subdivision between Bradshaw and Aurora and Pleasant Dale and Milford totaling 18 miles. These projects will greatly improve capacity on this heavily-trafficked coal route.

Continuous maintenance of BNSF's infrastructure ensures an optimized, safe and reliable network. Maintaining the railroad is important for keeping it in optimal condition and helps limit the need for unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity. BNSF's maintenance program in Nebraska will include 2,014 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, and the replacement of close to 55 miles of rail and about 214,000 ties as well as signal upgrades for federally-mandated positive train control (PTC).

The planned capital investments in Nebraska are part of BNSF's record 2015 capital commitment of USD 6 billion, which was announced last November and is the company's largest planned capital expenditure in its history. These investments include USD 2.9 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, nearly USD 1.5 billion on expansion and efficiency projects, USD 200 million for continued implementation of PTC and USD 1.4 billion for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.