This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
7/19/2023
Canadian Pacific Kansas City yesterday announced the 2816 Empress steam locomotive will depart Canada on April 14, 2024, and travel through the United States and into Mexico to mark the one-year anniversary of CPKC's creation.
The train will depart Calgary, Alberta, the site of CPKC’s headquarters. The company was created in April when the U.S. Surface Transportation Board approved the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. CPKC is the first single-line railroad to operate from Canada, across the United States and into Mexico.
"On April 14, 2023, we drove a ceremonial final spike completing that continental connection,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel in a press release. “We look forward to proudly celebrating that historic railway moment with a special tour starring the 2816, honoring our history and looking forward to an exciting future filled with opportunities for our railroaders, customers and communities."
A 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive, the 2816 was built in 1930 by Montreal Locomotive Works. It served as a roving steam-powered ambassador for CP throughout Canada and the United States before being placed in storage in 2012.
The locomotive continues to undergo preparations for next year's tour, including equipping the Empress with positive train control, CPKC officials said.
After departing Calgary, the 2816 will travel to stops in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Minot, North Dakota; St. Paul, Minnesota; Bensenville, Illinois; Davenport, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Shreveport, Louisiana; Laredo, Texas; and Mexico City.
The public will be able to see the 2816 up close in those cities with additional details about the stops and related events available early in 2024, CPKC officials said.