Capacity where it counts: BNSF completes major network expansion projects
By MIKE PAGEL
Staff Writer
BNSF Engineering teams recently completed capital expansion projects at three key locations on our network, bringing new capacity to the Midwest, Southwest and Southeast. This new infrastructure will improve network fluidity, increase yard productivity and enable more consistent service for customers.
Galesburg, Illinois
At the Galesburg hump yard, one of our network’s largest and where railcars are sorted into new trains, we’ve added a second parallel lead track to improve productivity and train arrival/departure flexibility. The second track reduces the time between processing trains over the hump because a second inbound train can be readied while cars from the prior train are cut and released.
We also built a connection to the departure tracks on the east side of the yard.
“The way the Galesburg yard was configured results in tracks on the east side of the yard being unable to directly reach the hump crest,” said Craig Rasmussen, assistant vice president of engineering services & structures. “The second lead connects into these tracks, allowing operational flexibility with more tracks available to arriving inbound trains.”
With the upgrade, two additional trains (or about 250 additional railcars) will be processed daily, improving fluidity in and around the terminal and driving more reliable service for our customers.
Work began Dec. 29, 2025, and the first train traversed the new lead track on July 30, more than a month ahead of target.
Winslow, Arizona
At Winslow, our Engineering team completed track improvements that support more efficient locomotive power modifications on our Southern Transcon.
Previously, when power modification work needed to be performed at Winslow, the mainline would be blocked. But now, with this additional track capacity, the work can be done while keeping the mainline clear. Also, by reducing power modification events in other areas of the Southern Transcon, we’ll enhance the movement of all trains and allow for better crew utilization.
Construction started on May 18 and was completed by July 16.
“The success of the Winslow project came from the strong teamwork and communication between multiple departments,” said Travis Shuck, general construction supervisor. “Our field personnel did an outstanding job executing the work safely and professionally while staying focused on the plan. I'm proud of their dedication and commitment to completing this project safely.”
Memphis, Tennessee
In Memphis, we added three new receiving and departure tracks using a former intermodal facility location. The new tracks feed into our hump yard next door. This added track capacity improves processing of increased volume at a critical location.
The installation of these new tracks adds capacity for more than 200 railcars per day.
“This project wasn’t in our original 2026 capital plan,” said Craig Morehouse, executive vice president & chief operations officer. “Volume growth with existing customers and new long-term business opportunities materialized quickly in 2026 and we adjusted to accommodate our customers’ needs.”
Construction began in mid-June. The new tracks were online on Sept. 10, well ahead of the original Nov. 30 projection.
“These projects are great examples of targeted investments that deliver real operational value,” Morehouse said. “We’re creating capacity where we need it, improving fluidity across key parts of the network and giving our teams more flexibility to serve our customers.”
