Oshawa Port Authority conducted a special ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local elected and industry officials to officially open its new $4.1 million rail spur. “The rail spur is a crucial link that helps us meet the growing demands of businesses,” said Donna Taylor, President and CEO. “Oshawa’s national deep-sea port is now truly intermodal, and able to move cargo of all sizes year round. That’s a huge advantage.”
The rail spur allows the port to handle more cargo, and break into the niche project cargo market. The track includes an oversized dimensional move section to accommodate project cargo that’s too big to move by road. “The rail spur really is a major achievement in the vision we had for the port almost a decade ago,” said Gary Valcour, Chair. “It’s an investment in the future that keeps the port moving with the times and delivering significant economic benefits for our city, region and all of Canada.”
Since the first official Port of Oshawa Land Use Plan in 1984, the goal has been to link the port’s East Wharf to an existing CN spur, north of the port lands. Oshawa Port Authority constructed 500 metres of new track, including a level crossing at Harbour Road, while CN retrofitted the existing spur. The rail spur now runs from Bloor Street onto the East Wharf and into McAsphalt. The $4.1 million rail spur is funded by Oshawa Port Authority and McAsphalt, and includes no government funding. The rail spur is expected to move a variety of cargo, including asphalt and steel.