(The following is based on BNSF Railway press releases dated May 14, 2009.)
FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway Company is sending two maintenance of way crews to Wyoming and Montana in mid-May to replace more than 150,000 ties and almost 35 track miles of rail between Casper, Wyo., and Silesia, Mont. The project is expected to be completed by September and will cost about $15 million.
“Expanding and maintaining our infrastructure along this stretch of track and throughout the system not only allows us to provide customers with efficient and reliable rail service but it also benefits the overall efficiency of American’s supply chain,” said Dave Freeman, BNSF vice president, Engineering.
In addition, BNSF will send four maintenance of way crews to begin undercutting track (the removal, repair and replacement of ballast) and replacing ties and rail on BNSF’s mainline between Custer and Glendive, Mont. The crews are expected to begin work in June to undercut six miles of track, replace more than 75,000 ties and lay approximately 22 track miles of rail.
“Our rail lines in Montana are essential for Montana farmers and America’s wheat harvest. Almost 150,000 bushels of grain came out of the state via our tracks last year,” Freeman said. “We make it a priority to keep those tracks in excellent condition.”
Around 90 BNSF employees are expected to complete the $11 million project in late July.
BNSF expects to spend about $2 billion this year to keep the railway’s infrastructure strong by upgrading technologies and refreshing track, signal systems, structures and freight cars.