BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced it plans to invest an estimated $106 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement and expansion projects in Washington this year. BNSF’s 2012 capacity enhancement projects in Washington include the construction of a new lead to access the Port of Longview, as well as significant signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control. BNSF will also continue its track maintenance program in Washington, which will include 1,020 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, and the replacement of 56 miles of rail and about 178,000 ties.

“BNSF’s investments will improve our ability to provide rail freight services to Washington businesses and communities, and will expand opportunities to create more jobs and growth for the Washington economy,” said Matthew K. Rose, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The planned capital investments in Washington are part of BNSF’s total 2012 capital commitment of $3.9 billion. The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.1 billion on BNSF’s core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1.1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions, many of which will serve Washington. The program also includes about $300 million for federally mandated positive train control and $400 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

More information is online here.