BNSF Plans expansion of its Stockton operations

• Part of its $230 Million capital program in California
• ““California is a critical part of BNSF’s rail network”

BNSF Railway Company says it will extend the existing north lead track at its Stockton Intermodal Facility to improve switching capability. It’s one of the major projects the company has planned for 2018 in California.

It says Tuesday that it expects to spend about $230 million on the various California projects.

This year’s plan in California includes several capacity expansion projects in addition to scheduled maintenance projects.

BNSF operates a 2,000-mile network in California and says it has spent 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 also will be installed at the Los Angeles Intermodal Facility.

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,” says 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 last month.

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