Today, Canadian Pacific Railway announced plans to sell a 98-mile low-density branch line in southern Alberta to the short-line market, in accordance with Canada Transportation Act's (CTA) discontinuance procedures.
The line, known as CP's Lomond Subdivision between Vauxhall and a point just south of Blackie, has recorded steadily decreasing traffic in recent years and was a discontinuance candidate in the Class I's May 2000 three-year network plan.
Parties interested in acquiring the line must contact CP in writing by March 19.
Per CTA procedures, if CP doesn't receive written letters of interest by March 19 or reach a purchase agreement within six months of that date, the railroad can offer the line for sale at net salvage value to provincial and adjacent municipal governments.
Meanwhile, CPR Jan. 15 announced plans to close its Lethbridge Frog Shop in May, enabling the railroad to eliminate eight jobs and relocate 12 positions to adjacent facilities in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The shop produces second-hand frogs; CP plans to purchase new frogs from third-party suppliers, which railroad officials believe is a more efficient alternative to internal track-component re-manufacturing.
Following the shop's closure, CP plans to sell the facility and about 4 acres of adjacent land.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News
