CPKC’s Waterbody Hazard Monitoring System Awarded
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
CPKC Director Geotechnical Engineering Mehwish Rahman.
CPKC screen capture
CALGARY, Alberta - CPKC's Geotechnical Engineering team developed the Waterbody Hazard Monitoring System (WHMS) to protect train movement along its network.
The WHMS is a program that uses SAR technology and AI, according to CPKC, to identify differences in “waterbodies along the railway corridor and proactively sends alerts about potential hazards.” It can sense waterbodies along the right of way that cannot be seen from track level.
Vice President of Engineering Tom Bourgonje said SAR technology is a “military-grade satellite technology that can see through clouds, see through rain, day and night.”
Director Geotechnical Engineering Mehwish Rahman said WHMS “gives us an opportunity to be proactive in managing and controlling water hazards.”
The tool has also won the Class I’s CEO Award of Excellence and the Schreyer Award in 2025. The Schreyer Award is presented by the Canadian Consulting Engineer annual awards. CPKC congratulated the team on “the well-deserved recognition!”
