Hudson Bay Railway Construction Progress Update
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Surfacing operations along the Hudson Bay Railway as part of the 2024 construction season.
Caption and photo courtesy of Arctic Gateway Group
WINNIPEG, Manitoba - The Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) released information that shows improvements of the Hudson Bay Railway.
According to a release, the construction this year on the railway saw “a record amount of work completed.” This work includes 2.3 million feet of spot surfacing to keep the track level for heavy loads. In 2023, crews spot surfaced 1.28 million feet. Hudson Bay Railway unloaded more than 1,600 cars of ballast to build upon ballast unloaded in 2023. The AGG also installed 119,965 ties this year, an increase from the 105,687 ties installed in the previous year. Additionally, the AGG finished three major crossing rehabilitations that include a double track crossing in Churchill Port and 11 new switch upgrades. To ensure quality track conditions, it has used modern railway monitoring technology including LiDAR and drones to observe and inspect the track.
AGG CEO Chris Avery said, “This year has been pivotal for AGG and the Hudson Bay Railway, with significant strides in improving our infrastructure and operations. . . The upgrades completed this year are a testament to our commitment to providing reliable and efficient railway services, and ensuring that the Port of Churchill and the Arctic Trade Corridor can finally reach their full potential after so many years of neglect.” Avery continued, “What we’re hearing from our teams is that the Railway is in better condition than it has ever been, and our plan makes sure it stays strong, reliable and efficient.”
Previously, the AGG received support in Manitoba’s Speech from the Throne on November 19, 2024, below:
“This summer, for the first time in two decades, Manitoba minerals were shipped out of the port of Churchill. (The Province of Manitoba will continue this partnership with the federal government, investing in Canada’s only deep-water arctic port. These investments are critical to protecting arctic sovereignty.”
