Railway maintenance continues this week in Alberta

Written by jrood

Canadian Pacific rail tracks in Airdrie, Alta., Canada, continue to be upgraded as Veterans Boulevard closes Nov. 8 and 9 for a 48-hour period, local media report. The closure, unanimously approved by City council Nov. 1, is part of a railway renewal program from Edmonton to Calgary that occurs every three to four years to maintain the railroad between Airdrie and Crossfield.

"It’s never a convenient
time for motorists and we understand the issues that come with that," said Mark
Seland of CP public affairs.

Canadian Pacific plans to
upgrade the 115-pound rail to 136-pound to allow trains to transport heavier
loads. CP intends to absorb all costs, which also involve repairing or replacing
crossings and surfaces.

Seland said if the
maintenance is not done immediately, the next opportunity will be in three or
four years, when the crew is back in the area.

Now, Airdrie will have
the advantage of a $100,000 discount, with CP paying for the expenses.

"The opportunity is now
to address these street crossings," said Seland. "We certainly understand
the inconvenience this 48-hour period will put upon motorists, while they
detour."

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