CN budgets CA$315 million for Ontario projects

CN will spend CA$315 million on projects to expand and strengthen its network across Ontario this year, the Class I announced yesterday.

Planned expansion projects will include investments in a satellite intermodal facility near the railroad's Brampton Intermodal Terminal to provide temporary capacity; intermodal equipment and infrastructure at CN's Brampton Intermodal Terminal to serve growing cold supply chain business; and construction of a new train passing siding east of Sioux Lookout.

Maintenance will include the replacement of 90 miles of rail; installation of more than 380,000 new railroad ties; rebuilds of 60 road crossing surfaces; and work on bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.

"We are investing for the long haul with these projects to boost capacity and network resiliency to meet growing demand across our economy," said Michael Farkouh, vice-president of CN's eastern region, in a press release.

The Ontario investments are part of CN's record CA$3.4 billion capital program for 2018.

"Our investments in track and intermodal yard capacity combined with new equipment will help us deliver superior service to our customers in Ontario and North America. Additionally, our substantial investments to renew our existing railway infrastructure underscores our commitment to operating safely," said Farkouh.