BNSF Railway announced its $3.6 billion capital investment plan for 2026, which it says demonstrates a continued dedication to operating a safe and reliable network prepared to meet customers’ anticipated needs.
The largest component of this year’s capital plan, $2.8 billion, is for maintenance. Officials said that investing in BNSF’s existing infrastructure reduces unscheduled service outages, which can slow the rail network and reduce capacity.
The maintenance projects will include replacing and upgrading rail and track infrastructure, such as ballast and rail ties, as well as maintaining rolling stock. It will consist of roughly 13,000 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting, the replacement of 2.5 million rail ties, and more than 400 miles of rail.
“Our 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing our network so we can continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” said BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer. “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.”
In 2026, $358 million of the capital plan is designated for expansion and efficiency projects, bringing the total to $2.6 billion invested in expansion projects over the past five years. This year’s expansion plans support BNSF customer growth by continuing to invest 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, and starting construction and continuing development for a future intermodal facility in the Phoenix area.
Major line expansion projects include track expansions at our Galesburg, Illinois, and Winslow, Arizona, yards to increase switching capacity, support network service performance, and enhance asset — railcars and locomotives — productivity initiatives.
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