Port of Saguenay opens rail link and intermodal yard

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Roche Ltd., Consulting Group

Officials from the Canadian government, city of Saguenay and Saguenay Port Authority marked the official opening of the rail link connecting the Grande-Anse terminal in the Port of Saguenay to the Roberval-Saguenay rail line and of the intermodal rail yard at the Port of Saguenay.

The 7.45-mile (12-km) rail link and the intermodal rail yard at the Port of Saguenay will facilitate the transfer of goods from the rail network to ships docking at the Grand-Anse marine terminal.

Officials said the new rail link would provide shippers to the deep-water port with additional transportation options, increase the efficiency and capacity of port operations and facilitate interprovincial and international trade.

“By carrying out this project that is part of the objectives of the Maritime Strategy, we will increase the terminal’s capacity and develop new railway operations that will contribute to support the region’s economy. Also, the new rail link will be beneficial for the environment and could eventually reduce greenhouse gases by 20,000 tonnes (22,046 tons) annually. The Government of Quebec’s Ministry of Transport provided this financial assistance from the Climate Change Action Plan’s Green Fund that promotes reducing greenhouse gases by implementing intermodal projects for the transportation of goods,” said Serge Simard, parliamentary assistant to the Premier for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and Member for Dubuc.

The total cost of the project was CA$37 million (US$29.6 million) and was funded with CA$15 million (US$12 million) from Canada’s Gateways and Border Crossing Fund, CA$10 million (US$8 million) from Quebec, CA$6 million (US$4.8 million) each from the city of Saguenay and the Saguenay Port Authority.

“Our government’s support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. We are committed to investing in infrastructure projects that focus on creating jobs and promoting long-term prosperity across Canada. The new rail link and intermodal rail yard will enhance the Port of Saguenay’s efficiency, support economic growth for businesses and residents in the region and greatly contribute to Canada’s competitiveness internationally,” said Denis Lebel, minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

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