CP completes first year of infrastructure upgrades to enhance northern network

Written by jrood

Canadian Pacific has completed the first year of infrastructure enhancements as part of an aggressive three-year plan to upgrade its North Main Line between Winnipeg, MB, and Edmonton, AB, Canada.

The C$250 million (US$240,124,864.93) North Main Line infrastructure program spans roughly 850 miles in three provinces and allows CP to increase capacity and service reliability for customers, including agricultural, fertilizer and energy producers.

“The investment provides flexibility and alternative route options with operating speeds equivalent to its southern Canadian route,” said CP Executive Vice-President Operations Mike Franczak. “Not only will the North Main upgrade increase capacity and raise train speed, it will offer a more direct route for some bulk and intermodal traffic.”

During the 2011 work season CP completed 155 miles of track enhancements on the North Main Line. CP customers are now experiencing the service benefits of these investments, which include increased track speeds and improved asset utilization.

The North Main Line infrastructure enhancement program includes rail and tie upgrades; new and extended sidings, which will allow for increased number of long trains; and public crossing upgrades. In addition, CP will enhance efficiencies at CP yards in Saskatchewan, such as its Bredenbury yard, which is benefiting from increased staging capacity.

“About two-thirds of Saskatchewan’s provincial GDP is derived from exports,” The Honorable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways and Infrastructure said. “With Saskatchewan once again forecasted to lead the nation in economic growth, CP’s enhancement to main line capacity will positively impact our province’s competiveness in a global marketplace.”

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