BNSF Railway customers invest more than $5.3 billion in 2025; new certified site expands growth pipeline

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 26, 2026 - BNSF Railway customers invested more than $5.3 billion in 2025, completing 117 rail-served projects, the highest number closed in the last six years. These projects created more than 1,200 jobs across industrial, agricultural and consumer markets while expanding production capacity, strengthening supply chains and supporting long-term economic growth. Notable projects completed in 2025 include U.S. Steel and South Dakota Soybean Processors.

In addition to strong customer investment activity, BNSF recently welcomed a new Certified Site near Mobile, Alabama, the first BNSF Certified Site to be served by a BNSF Shortline Select™ Partner, Genesee & Wyoming's (G&W) Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway (AGR). The announcements further magnify BNSF's commitment to growth through strategic partnerships.

"The record number of projects completed in 2025 reflects strong customer investment and continued confidence in rail-supported growth," said BNSF Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Tom Williams. "At the same time, expanding our portfolio of rail-ready sites strengthens the pipeline for future development, helping customers access markets, expand operations and execute long-term growth strategies with greater certainty."

As customers continue to invest and communities advance rail development, BNSF remains focused on supporting sustainable growth across its network.

2025 project highlights

U.S. Steel: Big River Steel Works has facilitated the investment of approximately $27 million into its facility to expand and enhance the site's rail infrastructure. This investment builds on the company's broader $3 billion, multi-year commitment to next generation steelmaking and complements the existing Big River Steel Works campus. With its second facility now commissioned and fully operational, the rail-served mini mill has increased its annual production capacity to nearly six million tons. The site includes nearly 40 miles of track to efficiently manage inbound raw materials and outbound finished steel shipments. This investment further strengthens the region's advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforces northeast Arkansas as a leader in innovative steel production.

South Dakota Soybean Processors completed the $500 million High Plains Processing plant near Mitchell, South Dakota, capable of processing approximately 35 million bushels of soybeans annually. The rail-served facility, with easy access to the BNSF mainline, strengthens regional soybean processing capacity and enhances access to domestic and global markets. The project is expected to support an estimated 85 full-time jobs and payroll of approximately $5.5 million annually, reinforcing long-term agricultural growth and improving supply chain efficiency for area producers.

New Alabama Certified Site

BNSF's newly announced Certified Site is located approximately 20 minutes north of Mobile, Alabama, the first BNSF Certified Site to be served by a BNSF Shortline Select™ Partner, Genesee & Wyoming's (G&W) Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway (AGR). The location offers proximity to the Port of Mobile and major interstate corridors, supporting scalable production and distribution operations seeking access to Gulf Coast and global markets. Certified sites cut through site-selection friction by delivering rail-served locations that are vetted, validated, and ready for development. They meet rigorous readiness standards, including rail service capability and pre-qualified infrastructure, helping reduce development risk and accelerate project timelines.

Contact:
Kendall Kirkham Sloan
Director, External Communications
[email protected]