BNSF budgets $80 million for capex in New Mexico

BNSF Railway Co. will spend $80 million this year on maintenance and expansion projects in New Mexico.

About half of BNSF's New Mexico capital expenditures plan will focus on upgrading rail, ties and ballast. The remainder of the plan will go toward track expansion, including in the Gallup Subdivision.

Between Belen and Dalies, BNSF will begin a two-year project to construct 10 miles of third main line to enhance capacity along the Southern Transcon route, BNSF officials said in a press release.

The 2018 maintenance program in New Mexico includes approximately 1,600 miles of track surfacing and/or undercutting work, as well as the replacement of nearly 15 miles of rail and more than 110,000 ties.

Over the past five years, BNSF has spent about $545 million to expand and maintain its network in New Mexico.

"The Southern Transcon is the rail equivalent of a superhighway, making it an ideal route for high-priority, containerized traffic. The construction of the third main line between Belen and Dalies as well as scheduled maintenance activities for 2018 show our dedication to our customers to provide a safe, efficient and reliable network," said Keary Walls, general manager of operations, Southwest division.