(Resource News International) — Canadian Pacific Railway’s main line through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta was shut down by heavy rains over the past weekend, creating some disruptions to grain movement in the region.
However, the railway is using alternate routes and any delays have so far been only minor.
CP spokesman Mike LoVecchio quoted media reports describing the weekend precipitation as “a one-in-500 rainfall.” The downpour created widespread damage, including the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway.
The high water has affected CP’s right-of-way into a number of locations between Maple Creek, Sask. and Medicine Hat, Alta., he said, noting the railway’s main southern line was closed.
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“We’re working directly with customers to manage their shipments along alternate routes,” said LoVecchio.
CP’s northern line, which runs west out of Saskatoon, was taking some of the traffic with other shipments making their way along sister railroads in Canada and the U.S., he said.
LoVecchio could not give a timeline as to when the southern line would be reopened, but said the priority was to do the work safely so that the line was 100 per cent reliable when it does return to service.
“Our recovery crews are working 24/7, which should demonstrate the level of commitment we have,” said LoVecchio.
“At this point it’s not looking like it will cause us any trouble,” Canadian Wheat Board spokesman John Lyons said, adding that “trains are being rerouted north through Saskatoon, over and around the area.”
While the rail line closure will mean it will take longer to move the freight, it is not causing any problems with grain supplies at the West Coast, he added.
The CWB does have one 56-car train stuck in the affected area, which will be delayed because it will either need to wait for the track to reopen, or back up, he said.
There were no reported issues for Canadian National Railway (CN), whose main line through Saskatchewan and Alberta is situated to the north of where the heaviest precipitation fell.
