CN unveils 2018 capex plan for British Columbia

CN will spend CA$340 million this year to expand and strengthen its rail network through British Columbia, the Class I announced yesterday.

The investment is part of CN's CA$3.4 billion capital program for 2018. Key projects include track expansion to boost capacity and the replacement, upgrade and maintenance of key track infrastructure.

The work is designed to better serve growing forest products, intermodal, grain and industrial customers, as well as to improve safety and efficiency, CN officials said in a press release.

CN's B.C. rail network serves the West Coast gateways of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, and major inland terminals in Surrey, Prince George, Kamloops and Fort Nelson.

Planned expansion projects include construction of four new sidings between Prince Rupert and Jasper, Alberta; extension of three existing sidings between Prince Rupert and Jasper; and a siding extension north of Kamloops on CN's Vancouver-to-Edmonton corridor.

Maintenance program highlights include replacing 115 miles of rail, installing more than 335,000 ties, rebuilding 50 grade crossings and continuing work on the Fraser River Bridge, culverts, signal systems and additional track.

"We are investing for the long haul with these projects to boost capacity and network resiliency to meet growing traffic on our corridors to and from the West Coast and across B.C.," said Doug Ryhorchuk, vice-president of CN's Western Region. "Our investments in infrastructure, equipment and people will help us deliver superior service to our customers across the province and North America. Additionally, our substantial investments to renew our existing railway infrastructure underscore our commitment to operating safely."