NORFOLK SOUTHERN announced on December 2 that it planned to invest $938m during 2005, compared to $810m in 2004 and $798m the year before.
The biggest single element, $438m, will fund track renewals and bridge maintenance. Another $23m will go on signalling and communications, $22m on track maintenance equipment and $14m on level crossing upgrading or replacement.
On the rolling stock side, NS plans to buy 52 six-axle locomotives at a cost of $154m, upgrade existing locos, and expand its fleet of multilevel auto racks. Another $44m has been allocated for IT projects aimed at improving operational efficiency. Finally, $107m will be spent on new business development initiatives.
