BNSF plans $153 million capital program in Missouri to maintain and expand rail capacity and ensure safe, reliable operations

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, February 18, 2015 -- BNSF Railway Company

(BNSF) today announced that its 2015 capital program for its operations in Missouri will be an estimated $153 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

Unlike other modes of freight transportation, U.S. railroads own and maintain their own networks. To ensure BNSF's network operates at optimal efficiency, each year the company allocates capital for infrastructure and expansion projects that will enable it to serve the growing needs of customers from a broad cross section of the economy.

"This year's substantial investments in Missouri are a clear reflection of how

important our operations in the state are to our overall network and our unwavering commitment to always operating safely -- for our people and the communities in which we operate," said Leif Smith, BNSF general manager operations Springfield

Division. "We know our customers are competing in a fast-paced, global economy where a smooth, efficient supply chain can be the difference between winning and losing in the marketplace. This year's planned expansion and maintenance projects will help give BNSF the capacity flexibility it needs to support our customers' growing demands and

connect Missouri products to key markets."

BNSF's 2015 capital projects in Missouri include constructing two new sidings

between Elsberry and Ashburn and milepost marker 94 as well as extending the siding in Gibbs to improve train capacity along the Hannibal subdivision.

Continuous maintenance of BNSF's infrastructure ensures an optimized, safe and reliable network. Maintaining the railroad is important for keeping it in optimal condition and helps limit the need for unscheduled service outages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity.

The planned capital investments in Missouri are part of BNSF's record 2015

capital commitment of $6 billion, which was announced last November and is the company's largest planned capital expenditure in its history. The investments include $2.9 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, nearly $1.5 billion on expansion and efficiency projects, $200 million for continued implementation of PTC and $1.4 billion for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions.