Canadian Pacific recently announced the completion of its first year of infrastructure enhancements as part of an aggressive three-year plan to upgrade its North Main Line between Winnipeg and Edmonton.
The $250-million North Main Line infrastructure program spans approximately 850 miles in three provinces and allows CP to increase capacity and service reliability for customers, including agricultural, fertilizer and energy producers.
“The investment provides flexibility and alternative route options with operating speeds equivalent to its southern Canadian route,” said Mike Franczak, CP’s executive vice-president of operations. “Not only will the North Main upgrade increase capacity and raise train speed, it will offer a more direct route for some bulk and intermodal traffic.”
In 2011, CP completed 155 miles of track enhancements on the North Main Line, which increased track speeds and improved asset utilization.
The North Main Line infrastructure enhancement program includes rail and tie upgrades; new and extended sidings, which will allow for an increased number of long trains; and public crossing upgrades.
In addition, CP will enhance efficiencies at some of its yards in Saskatchewan, which is benefiting from increased staging capacity.