Significant upgrades are planned for BNSF Railway’s Galesburg yard this year as part of the company’s $3.6 billion dollar capital investment plan meant to modernize infrastructure and streamline capacity.
BNSF spokesperson Kendall Sloan told TSPR the work includes adding a second hump lead track and a connection track at the Galesburg yard to increase railcar switching capacity and improve the efficiency of terminal operations.
“This project will improve service performance by enabling railcars to be routed more efficiently across BNSF’s network,” Sloan said.
BNSF announced its 2026 capital investment plan in January. Of the overall investment, $358 million is designated for track expansion and efficiency projects, including major ones in Galesburg and in Winslow, Ariz.
BNSF did not provide a specific amount earmarked for the Galesburg project or a construction timeline, but called it a major line expansion.
In a release, BNSF said the largest component of this year’s capital plan, $2.8 billion, is devoted to maintenance, including replacing and upgrading rail and track infrastructure.
The company expects to complete approximately 13,000 miles of track surfacing or undercutting work, replace 2.5 million rail ties, and install more than 400 miles of new rail.
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