CN plans to invest C$310m in Ontario in 2020

Canadian National (CN) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) has announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement.

CN has announced that as part of its strategic investments to support growing demand and enable supply chains, it plans to invest approximately C$*310m across Ontario in 2020. The investments will focus on intermodal facilities, the replacement of rail and ties, as well as the maintenance of bridges, level crossings, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.

“We take our essential role in the North American economy seriously and these investments in Ontario are a key part of our strategy to support growth. The Company remains committed to help enable supply chains that fuel Ontario’s growth as we are a critical part of getting everyday goods to markets and consumers. Safety is a core value at CN and by investing in the maintenance and expansion of our track and capacity, we are providing customers with a safe and reliable solution at a time when fluid supply chains are more critical than ever”, said Derek Taylor, Vice-President, Eastern Region at CN.

The Company’s investments are intended to create greater capacity, which supports reductions in its customer’s transportation supply chain greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), by encouraging the use of rail for long haul needs. This will reduce emissions, traffic congestion, accidents and burdens on public transportation infrastructure as one freight train can replace over 300 trucks from roads. Moving freight by rail instead of truck is said to reduce GHG emissions by 75%. The company will continue to deploy important safety enhancing technologies in Ontario, such as the Autonomous Track Inspection Program, and Automated Inspection Portals.

Maintenance program highlights include:             

  • Replacement of more than 60 miles of rail
  • Installation of approximately 195,000 new railroad ties
  • Rebuilds of 86 road crossing surfaces
  • Maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems, and other track infrastructure   

CN has proposed to build a C$250m Milton Logistics Hub that will create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project is undergoing a comprehensive independent environmental assessment and regulatory review, including participation of local communities and Aboriginal groups.

Source: CN

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