CN to spend CA$530 million on capex in Alberta, Quebec

CN this year will spend CA$320 million to strengthen and expand its infrastructure in Alberta and CA$210 million in Quebec, the Class I announced this week.

The investments are part of CN's CA$3.4 billion capital expenditures program for 2018, CN officials said in press releases.

In Alberta, projects include installation of more than 30 miles of double track in four locations along CN's transcontinental corridor, as well as rail yard expansions that will make rail-car movements in and out of Edmonton more efficient.

Other capital program elements will focus on the replacement, upgrade and maintenance of key track infrastructure to improve overall safety and efficiency. Maintenance program highlights include replacing 130 miles of rail; installing 270,000 new ties; rebuilding 40 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 in grain, energy, forest products and other markets so important to Alberta's economy," said Doug Ryhorchuk, vice president of CN's western region.

In Quebec, the work will focus on replacing, upgrading and maintaining key infrastructure. Projects will include upgrades to the automated gate system at CN's Montreal intermodal terminal, improving truck flow and making it easier for trucks to move in and out of the facility.

The Class I also will invest in information and technology to improve rail safety and customer service. After hiring more than 300 IT professionals last year, CN continues to hire at its Montreal headquarters, CN officials said.

"We are again investing across the province to support a safe and fluid railway network, and our increasing investments in technology are making our Montreal headquarters part of the growing tech economy of Quebec," said Michael Farkouh, vice president of CN's eastern region.