BNSF railroad to spend $189 million on Washington tracks

SEATTLE (AP) — BNSF Railway says it will spend $189 million to improve its track system in Washington state this year.

The Tri-City Herald reports the money will pay for surfacing on 1,000 miles of tracks and replacement of almost 50 miles of rail.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says it will focus on the Columbia River Gorge main line east of Vancouver and the route between Vancouver and Seattle.

Melonas says the railroad is also replacing a railroad bridge over the Washougal River in Camas.

The Washington upgrades are part of a record $6 billion capital investment campaign across the entire BNSF system this year. Work has already started.