CN unveils more investments across Canada

Projects in Alberta and Quebec are part of a C$3.4 billion capital program for 2018.    Class I railway Canadian National this week announced its plans to invest C$320 million (U.S. $243 million) across Alberta as well as C$210 million throughout Quebec this year.
   CN also recently unveiled its plans to invest C$340 million across its network in British Columbia this year and C$130 million in Manitoba.
   These investments are part of CN’s record C$3.4 billion capital program for 2018.
   In Alberta, CN’s planned expansion projects include the construction of 12 miles of double track west of Edmonton across Parkland County; about seven miles of double track near Wainwright east of Edmonton; about seven miles of double track near Tofield east of Edmonton; and about 11 miles of double track near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
   In addition to the construction of double track, CN’s planned expansion projects across the province include installing a new bypass track at Walker Yard in Edmonton, building new storage and bypass tracks at Scotford Yard and building new track capacity at the railway’s yard in Swan Landing.
   CN’s maintenance program highlights across Alberta include replacing about 130 miles of rail, installing over 270,000 new railroad ties, rebuilds of about 40 road crossing surfaces, as well as maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.
   In Quebec, CN’s plans include the installation of nearly 40 miles of new rail, the installation of over 155,000 rail ties, rebuilds of more than 35 road crossing surfaces, as well as maintenance work on culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.
   CN also said it plans to upgrade the automated gate system at its Montreal intermodal terminal, improving truck flow and making it easier for trucks to move in and out of the facility.
   After a harsh winter took a toll on CN’s first-quarter net income, which fell 16 percent from a year prior to C$741 million, CN Interim President and CEO JJ Ruest said in April that the railway had “turned the corner.” 
   “Our metrics are showing sustained, sequential improvement, and that momentum will build as we continue to expand track capacity, add crews and bring on new locomotives,” he said.
   CN is set to release is second-quarter 2018 financial results July 24.