Canadian rail corridor program marks completion of three overpasses

Three key portions of the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor Program (RBRC) in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland have been completed, the Canadian government announced on Friday.

Road/rail overpasses now are in place over a Canadian Pacific mainline at 54th Avenue, 196th Street and 232nd Street to help ease road traffic congestion and improve safety, efficiency and rail capacity through the cities of Surrey and Langley and Langley Township, government officials said in a press release. The $24.7 million 232nd Street overpass was completed in February, while the $58 million 196th Street and $27.7 million 54th Avenue overpasses were completed this month.

The projects totaling $110.4 million — which will enable the municipalities to close three grade crossings — were funded by the following parties: Canadian government, $30.2 million; province of British Columbia, $24.8 million; Port Metro Vancouver, $23.1 million; CP, $9.7 million; city of Surrey, $8.8 million; city of Langley, $8.3 million; and township of Langley, $5.5 million.

The $307 million RBRC involves eight overpasses and one rail siding project funded by 12 public- and private-sector partners. The projects are designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the area's road and rail network, and enhance rail traffic to and from Deltaport terminals in Roberts Bank. Five of the projects now have been completed.

The program's partners are the Canadian government, province of British Columbia, Port Metro Vancouver, Translink, corporation of Delta, city of Surrey, city of Langley, township of Langley, CN, CP, BNSF Railway Co. and the British Columbia Railway Co.

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