CN Rail to invest $320 million in Alberta

Canadian National Railway Co. will spend $320 million this year to build new railway lines in Alberta and upgrade existing infrastructure with significant work expected to take place around Edmonton, the company said Tuesday.

The rail company is planning to build about 20 kilometres of double track west of Edmonton across Parkland County and install a new bypass track at Walker Yard.

Money is earmarked for the construction of new storage and bypass tracks at Scotford Yard for additional car storage and improved operational efficiency.

Farther afield, CN will lay 11 kilometres of double track near Wainwright, another 11 kilometres of double track near Tofield and 17 kilometres of double track near the Alberta- Saskatchewan border.

As well as building new rail infrastructure, the company is planning to replace about 200 kilometres of existing rail line across the province, install more than 270,000 new railroad ties and rebuild about 40 road crossing surfaces.

“Our investments in new double track and yard expansions, combined with new equipment and more people, will help us deliver superior service to our customers in Alberta and North America,” said Doug Ryhorchuk, vice-president of CN’s Western Region, in a news release Tuesday.