02.11.15

Hoeven Statement on BNSF's $326 Million Capital Investment in North Dakota

Senator Has Been Pressing Railroads to Invest in Infrastructure to Relieve Backlogs and Improve Future Service

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after BNSF Railway Company announced plans to invest $326 million in rail capacity improvements and maintenance in North Dakota. Hoeven has been meeting regularly with rail leaders to press for improvements in shipping services in the state.

“We have been working to maintain and improve our infrastructure, especially our railways, to meet the needs of our growing state,” said Hoeven. “BNSF’s $326 million investment will help to relieve backlogs now, but also plan for the continued growth of our economy.”

Projects supported by the $326 million include:

  • Construction of double track between Minot and Williston
  • Installing Centralized Traffic Control signaling projects to manage and improve rail traffic and flow
  • Upgrading track between Hillsboro and Devils Lake
  • Extending siding between Mandan and Glendive, MT to allow trains on the same line to pass
  • Expanding the capacity and classification of the Dickinson Yard

In 2014, Hoeven worked to secure a commitment from BNSF to invest $400 million in North Dakota as part of the company’s $5 billion capital investment plan. The funding helped to expand rail capacity for shippers, replace and maintain network infrastructure and continue the implementation of Positive Train Control technology to enhance efficiency.

Hoeven has been working since last winter to address rail shipping delays, meeting regularly with all stakeholders. Most recently, Hoeven hosted a roundtable in Fargo with BNSF Railway Executive Chairman Matt Rose to update North Dakota agriculture stakeholders on the railroad’s efforts to relieve backlogs and implement infrastructure upgrades to improve service. 

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