CN plans heavy investment in Alberta yard, maintenance projects

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Alberta will see a CA$320 million (US$245.8 million) investment from Canadian National (CN) to boost rail capacity and improve network resiliency across the province.

CN’s plans for Alberta are part of the railroad’s record CA$3.4 billion (US$2.6 billion) capital program for the year. The railroad will install more than 30 miles of new double track in four locations along its busy transcontinental corridor across the province and rail yard expansions that will improve efficient movement of rail cars into and out of Edmonton. Other capital program elements will focus on the replacement, upgrade and maintenance of key track infrastructure to improve overall safety and efficiency.

“We are investing for the long haul with these projects to boost capacity and network resiliency to meet growing demand in grain, energy, forest products and other markets so important to Alberta’s economy,” said Doug Ryhorchuk, vice-president of CN’s Western Region. “Our investments in new double track and yard expansions, combined with new equipment and more people, will help us deliver superior service to our customers in Alberta and North America. Additionally, our substantial investments to renew our existing railway infrastructure underscores our commitment to operating safely.”

Planned expansion projects include:

  • Construction of 12 miles of double track west of Edmonton across Parkland County
  • Construction of about seven miles of double track near Wainwright, east of Edmonton
  • Construction of about seven miles of double track near Tofield, east of Edmonton
  • Construction of about 11 miles of double track near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border
  • Installation of a new bypass track at Walker Yard in Edmonton, to increase efficiency of train movements through the yard
  • Building new storage and bypass tracks at Scotford Yard northeast of Edmonton for additional car storage and improved operational efficiency
  • Building new track capacity at CN’s yard in Swan Landing

Maintenance program highlights include:

  • Replacement of approximately 130 miles of rail
  • Installation of more than 270,000 new crossties
  • Rebuilds of approximately 40 grade-crossing surfaces
  • Maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure

CN’s Alberta rail network includes key terminals in Edmonton and Calgary, serving customers in forest products, intermodal, agricultural and energy markets across the province. CN previously detailed its planned investment for British Columbia and Manitoba.

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