CN unveils Saskatchewan investments

Railway plans to invest C$210 million across the province as part of record C$3.4 billion capital program.    Canadian National unveiled plans Tuesday to invest approximately $210 million Canadian (U.S. $158 million) in Saskatchewan in 2018.
   The Class I railway operates 1,948 route miles in the central Canadian province, with major terminals in Saskatoon, Regina and Melville.
   CN’s planned expansion projects in Saskatchewan include the construction of 10 miles of double track just east of Melville, about seven miles of double track west of the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border and about 11 miles of double track near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, as well as the installation of new track capacity at the railway’s Melville Yard.
   Maintenance program highlights include the replacement of about 40 miles of rail, the installation of more than 180,000 new railroad ties, rebuilds of approximately 20 road crossing surfaces, as well as maintenance work on bridges, plus culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.
   “We are investing for the long haul with these projects to boost capacity and network resiliency,” said Doug Ryhorchuk, vice president of CN’s Western Region. “Our investments in new double track across the Prairies combined with new equipment and more people will help us deliver superior service to our grain, energy and other customers across the province and North America. Additionally, our substantial investments to renew our existing railway infrastructure underscores our commitment to operating safely.”
   CN’s investments in Saskatchewan are part of the railway’s record C$3.4 billion capital program for 2018.
   Earlier this month, CN said it would be investing C$340 million in British Columbia, C$130 million in Manitoba, C$320 million in Alberta and C$210 million in Quebec in 2018.
   The railway is scheduled to release its Q2 2018 earnings on July 24. After a harsh winter took a toll on CN’s Q1 2018 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.