Where are freight railroads making new connections in the United States?

The only railroad that I know of the is expanding on a major scale is Burlington Northern & Santa Fe. It plans on extending routes into coal fields and oil fields in the North Dakota and Montana area. Just how much is railroad and how much is pipe line is still in the planning stages last track I had.

There are few other plans, especially in new connections. Most rail construction right now has to do with improving right of ways. In many cases double tracking them or just improving the road bed.

About the only expansions I am aware of are into some coal fields in Wyoming and Montana.

Some intermodal ports have been expanded but am not aware of any old lines being re-opened.

Some lines are still being abandoned or considered for abandonment, not at the rate immediatly following de-regulation but railroads are not interested in keeping unprofitable or marginally profitable lines.