Two crossing projects receive Asia-Pacific Gateway infrastructure funds

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Transport Canada has made an investment of approximately CA$16.5 million (US$12.6 million) for nine Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia that support Asia-Pacific trade and boost the competitive advantages of Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway, of which two are railroad crossing projects.

 

These projects are expected to create jobs and economic growth by reducing bottlenecks, addressing capacity issues and enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system in moving goods, services and people to and from the fast-growing Asia-Pacific economies.

“The Harper government is committed to helping our exporters reach fast-growing Asia-Pacific markets. These projects will help create jobs and economic growth in local communities and ensure that the Asia-Pacific Gateway remains North America’s gateway of choice to Asia,” stated Canada’s Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt.

The two rail projects selected to receive funding from the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund (APGCTIF) include a Railway Information Crossing System along the Roberts Bank Corridor and a crossing improvement project in the district of West Vancouver.

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation will receive CA$300,000 (US$@230,400) toward a CA$3.8-million (US$2.9-million) Railway Information Crossing System installation project along the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor. The system would complement a series of grade separations recently completed on the corridor by informing drivers of the status of at-grade crossings in advance so they can minimize their delays by rerouting to one of the new overpass crossings. They system will make the trade corridor more reliable and provide more efficient rail connectivity to Roberts Bank Terminals.

The district of West Vancouver will receive CA$207,190 (US$159,00) to upgrade a rail crossing along Canadian National’s Squamish Subdivision. This rail crossing at 13th Street and Bellevue Avenue connects a major CN intermodal terminal in Vancouver with the Squamish Terminals in Squamish, BC. The CA$414,00 (US$318,000) project will improve traffic flow along CN’s rail corridor and increase safety for motorists.

This funding is conditional on the projects meeting federal eligibility requirements under the APGCTIF and the signing of a contribution agreement.

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