MONTREAL — Canadian National has released province-by-province plans for capital investments in its Canadian routes during 2021 as part of its C$3 billion capital plan. The railroad plans to replace more than 340 miles of rail in the eight provinces where it operates, in addition to bridge, culvert, signal, and general track infrastructure work across Canada.
“Our consistent and proactive infrastructure investment strategy and the essential work of our employees and supply chain partners are what enable CN to keep the economy moving safely and smoothly year after year,” James Thompson, CN’s vice president, Western region, said in a press release.
The railroad has announced these plans by province:
— British Columbia will receive the largest amount of capital funding, an estimated C$460, for work including replacement of 101 miles of rail and 252,000 ties, along with rebuilding of 38 grade crossings.
— In Alberta, CN plans approximately C$445 million in projects, including replacement of 64 miles of rail and 182,000 ties, as well as work on 38 grade crossings.
— Plans in Quebec include approximately C$370 million in work, including replacement of 23 miles of rail and 154,000 ties, along with improvements at 46 grade crossings.
— In Ontario, the railroad plans to spend approximately $C350 to replace 67 miles of rail, install 176,000 new ties, and rebuild 85 road crossings.
— Saskatchewan plans are to spend C$120 million to replace 48 miles of rail, install 163,000 ties, and rebuild 30 grade crossings.
— In Manitoba, CN will spend C$95, replacing 29 miles of rail, installing 118,000 ties, and rebuilding 17 grade crossings, along with its other maintenance work.
— Some C$15 million of work in Nova Scotia will include replacing 4 miles of rail and 43,000 ties, along with rebuilding 11 grade crossings.
— And in New Brunswick, plans are to spend C$15 million for work to include replacing 5 miles of rail and 7,000 ties, along with work at 19 grade crossings.
U.S. capital plans have yet to be announced.
Good time to restore double track on the former IC Chicago-New Orleans line. The IC was an early victim of precision scheduling hence the single track which for long stretches is in less than optimal condition.
Wow, BC gets all of C$460? That should be enough for, what, seven ties?
I see a lot of rail replacement, but no additional double track. Strange.