BNSF Railway, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, has announced a substantial commitment of $3.6 billion for infrastructure upgrades as part of its capital investment plan for 2026. This investment aims to enhance the efficiency and capacity of one of North America’s largest freight rail networks.
The bulk of this funding, approximately $2.8 billion, will be allocated to maintenance projects designed to ensure safe operations with minimal unscheduled service outages, according to company officials. BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer emphasized the company’s forward-looking approach, stating, “We prioritize investing with the future in mind, improving efficiency, adding capacity and ensuring our railroad is always ready to support growth while delivering dependable, resilient service our customers count on.”
Enhancing Capacity and Expanding Infrastructure
About $358 million of the total investment will focus on expansion and efficiency improvements. This is part of a broader strategy that has seen BNSF invest $2.6 billion over the past five years. The company plans to support customer growth through facility and line projects that will enhance network capacity.
Maintenance efforts will involve substantial upgrades to 13,000 miles of rail infrastructure, including the replacement of 2.5 million rail ties and over 400 miles of rail. These enhancements are crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the rail network.
In November, BNSF, in collaboration with Dallas-based Hillwood and the city of Fort Worth, announced the establishment of the Alliance Logistics District. This mobility hub is part of the Smart Port at the AllianceTexas development and aims to facilitate better logistics and transportation solutions.
New Projects and Future Developments
BNSF is also advancing several other key projects in Texas. Notably, a new logistics center is under construction in Gunter, located in Grayson County, which will serve the north Dallas area. Additionally, a logistics center in Cleveland, Texas, is now operational, covering the north Houston area with a 1,200-acre site.
Company spokesperson Kendall Kirkham Sloan noted that they have entered phase two of construction for the Gunter center, focusing on track work and civil construction to support customer operations.
Another significant initiative is the Barstow International Gateway project in California. This ambitious 4,500-acre rail facility is designed to enhance supply chain efficiency by transitioning freight from international to domestic containers. It is expected to create thousands of jobs and position Barstow as a vital transportation hub.
Further development planning is underway for a $3.2 billion, 4,320-acre facility at Logistics Park Phoenix, which will include a rail-served freight terminal. Expansion projects are also taking place in Galesburg, Illinois, and Winslow, Arizona, aimed at increasing switching capacity to improve network performance.
Financially, BNSF reported a 2% increase in total revenue, surpassing $6 million for the third quarter of 2025. This growth follows a 1% increase in revenue for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The average revenue per car or unit rose by 1% in the third quarter compared to last year, attributed to core pricing gains. Despite this, the average revenue per car for the first nine months of 2025 showed a 1% decline due to reduced fuel surcharge revenue and a less favorable business mix.
These planned investments and ongoing projects underline BNSF’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and ensuring that it remains a critical player in the transportation sector.
