Grade separation, port connector project near completion in Vancouver

Canadian and local government officials and representatives from Port Metro Vancouver and TransLink yesterday marked substantial progress on the Powell Street grade separation and South Shore Corridor project in Vancouver's South Shore Trade Area (SSTA) that are designed to enhance rail, truck and port operations in the area.

In their final stages, the projects will enable the SSTA to meet current and future freight demands and boost transportation capacity, said government and project officials in a press release. Program partners include Canadian Pacific, CN, TransLink, the city of Vancouver, Port Metro Vancouver and terminal operators.

The two projects are expected to provide commercial traffic safer access to terminal facilities; eliminate conflicts and improve safety at 11 grade crossings; foster more efficient and reliable grain movements for Canadian exporters who use South Shore terminals; improve the flow of import and export container traffic to and from terminals; reduce road congestion; and provide better access for emergency service providers.
   
The $50 million grade separation will eliminate a busy crossing between Powell Street and a rail line used by CP and TransLink. The port and federal government have provided $19.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively, while CP contributed $4.5 million and the city of Vancouver and TransLink each allocated $3.75 million for the work.

"The trade supportive infrastructure now coming on line helps us provide more timely and efficient service for our customers," said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. "It is the outcome of a unique partnership between industry and government and it has achieved real results."

The $75 million South Shore Corridor project will provide a continuous road connection through the port, including an elevated Steward Street that eliminated conflicts at 10 crossings, and improved rail and road access to terminals in the area. The project also will accommodate longer trains and more efficient rail operations, reduce local road congestion and shorten motorists' wait times, program partners said. The federal government provided $31.2 million for the project, with the port contributing $21.5 million and terminal operators, $15 million. CP and CN allocated $5.3 million and $2 million, respectively.

"The South Shore Corridor Project enhances port operations and provides for future rail capacity, while reducing the impacts on the local community from rail-related noise and traffic congestion," said Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester.