Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad 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 expects to start construction this year on the replacement of 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. Last week rail crews moved along the Gorge route near Stevenson. It's one of BNSF's busiest in the region.

More From News Talk KIT