The Barstow City Council has approved BNSF Railway’s Barstow International Gateway (BIG), clearing the way for one of California’s largest freight infrastructure projects.
BNSF plans to invest US$4 billion in the 4,500-acre integrated rail facility. The project will combine a rail yard, intermodal terminal and transload warehouses in Barstow, California.
Containers arriving at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will move by rail to Barstow for processing before continuing across BNSF’s national network. The company said the project will improve supply chain efficiency, reduce congestion and strengthen inland freight capacity.
“BIG is a transformative, next-generation rail facility that will deliver meaningful benefits for our customers,” said Katie Farmer, President and CEO of BNSF. “This US$4 billion private investment strengthens the supply chain, reduces congestion and provides greater flexibility.”
The facility will use zero-emission cargo-handling equipment, including electric rail-mounted gantry cranes, forklifts and hostlers. BNSF will also explore battery-electric switcher locomotives through agreements with California environmental agencies.
The company estimates the project will eliminate about 205 million truck miles in 2028, rising to 312 million truck miles by 2048.
BNSF expects the project to create around 62,000 construction-related jobs and 15,000 long-term operational jobs across the region. Within Barstow, the company projects about 5,400 direct jobs, US$938 million in earnings and US$2.9 billion in economic output over the first 20 years.
The project recently became the first transport infrastructure development to receive certification under California’s SB 149 legislation, which accelerates strategic infrastructure projects.
