Canada announces rail project funding to increase access to CP, CN lines

Transport Canada late last week announced it will fund CA$12.4 million for two rail projects to improve rail capacity, reduce traffic bottlenecks and increase competition by offering shippers access to two railroads.

The first project will involve upgrading Great Sandhills Railway Ltd.'s track running from Burstall, Saskatchewan, to Canadian Pacific's mainline outside Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The upgrade will help customers move their goods to port for export more efficiently, as well as accommodate future growth in their operations, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.

The second project is designed to reduce congestion on CP and CN mainline track along the Edmonton corridor. The work will entail construction of three loop tracks as well as a repair shop at North West Terminal near Unity, Saskatchewan.

That work will increase rail traffic volume, improve flow and the performance of the transportation network by offering efficient access to the Class Is' mainline tracks, government officials said.

"These improvements will increase transportation options for the community, help businesses get more products to market, and create quality jobs," said Ralph Goodale, Canada's minister of public safety and emergency preparedness.