Trains could be rolling again on CP Rail tracks through southern B.C. as soon as the middle of this coming week, barring any unforeseen issues, according to the railway.
Both CP and CN Rail’s critical main lines that connect the Port of Vancouver to rest of Canada have been closed due to damage from flooding and landslides earlier this week.
In a November 19th update, Canadian Pacific says repair work on the rail lines is underway.
“Work to repair damaged infrastructure and restore service to the CP corridor between Kamloops and Vancouver continues around the clock. Progress is being made with approximately 20 separate sections of track across this region already cleared or repaired,” CP Rail says in a statement.
“Work will continue through the weekend and, barring any unforeseen issues, we currently estimate service will be restored mid-week,” says CP.
The railway says it’s working closely with local and B.C. authorities to coordinate the delivery of critical materials, equipment, food and fuel. “That includes with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to assist in getting highways reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.”
In an update provided November 19th, CN says that crews continue to make progress on repair work.
“Traffic through southern B.C., northbound and eastbound traffic from Vancouver, as well as inbound traffic to Vancouver from east/north of Kamloops are still affected by the situation, and we expect the repair work to continue at least into next week,” CN says.
Traffic to and from Prince Rupert is not directly impacted, however, and the railway says it is working with customers and the Port of Prince Rupert to utilize the available capacity.
(This post was edited to include updated information from CN Rail)
