THE Canadian Pacific Railway has announced completion of its first year of infrastructure enhancements as part of a three-year plan to upgrade its North Main Line between Winnipeg and Edmonton.

    The C$250 million (US$242.3 million) North Main Line infrastructure programme spans roughly 850 miles in three provinces and allows CP to increase capacity and service reliability for customers, including agricultural, fertiliser and energy producers.

    "The investment provides flexibility and alternative route options with operating speeds equivalent to its southern Canadian route," said CP executive vice-president operations Mike Franczak. "Not only will the North Main upgrade increase capacity and raise train speed, it will offer a more direct route for some bulk and intermodal traffic."

    During the 2011 work season CP completed 155 miles of track enhancements on the North Main Line. CP customers are now experiencing the service benefits of these investments that include increased track speeds and improved asset utilisation.

    The North Main Line project includes rail and tie upgrades as well as new and extended sidings, which will allow for increased number of long trains and public crossing upgrades. In addition, CP will enhance efficiencies at CP yards in Saskatchewan, such as its Bredenbury yard, which is benefiting from increased staging capacity.

    "About two-thirds of Saskatchewan's provincial GDP is derived from exports," said provincial Highways Minister Jim Reiter. "With Saskatchewan once again forecasted to lead the nation in economic growth, CP's enhancement to main line capacity will positively impact our province's competitiveness in a global marketplace."

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