CN is pledging to invest approximately $105 million in Saskatchewan this year, in support of maintenance and infrastructure projects that are expected to expand supply chains and meet growing demand for prairie producers.
The investments will be used largely on track infrastructure projects, including the replacement of rail ties and the maintenance of bridges, level crossings, culverts, signal systems, and more.
CN expects to see these projects create greater capacity and encourage more customers to use rail for long hauling products, which would reduce the transportation supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 75 per cent, and reduce traffic congestion and accidents on public roads.
“We take our essential role in the North American economy seriously and these investments in Saskatchewan are a key part of our strategy to support growth. The Company remains committed to help enable supply chains that fuel Saskatchewan’s growth as we are a critical part of getting everyday goods to markets and consumers,” said vice-president of the western region James Thompson, in a press release.
Projects in southern Saskatchewan include replacing more than 65 miles of rail, installing over 145,000 new railroad ties, rebuilding 12 road crossings, and other maintenance and safety projects.
“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,” continued Thompson.
CN transports an estimated $250 billion worth of goods each year, with grains, fertilizers, and potash making up a large amount of the shipments handled by CN in the province.
The newly announced investment funding is expected to continue expanding CN’s capabilities in moving goods through the intermodal terminals in Saskatoon, Regina, Bienfait and North Battleford onto major terminals and global markets all over North America.
