SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Canadian National Railway (CN) has announced plans to invest $80 million in its Minnesota rail infrastructure this year. The Minnesota investments are part of the company’s $2.9 billion overall capital investment plan for 2019 as they work to increase traffic from commodity sectors including consumer goods, grain, agricultural, forest, and energy products. The entirety of the $80 million is from private funds.
“There isn’t a segment of our economy in Minnesota that isn’t touched in some way by rail transportation, and it’s critical that businesses, workers, farmers, and families can count on a system that moves goods and materials safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls). “Infrastructure improvements in both the public and private sector are important to our success, and I’m excited that CN is stepping up to make these investments which will not only improve safety, but will bolster opportunities for northern Minnesota to prosper.”
One of the planned expansion projects includes the construction of a new train passing siding near Glendale, south of Orr, which will increase the fluidity of the network, helping to reduce blocked crossings and wait times. Rebuilds of 23 road crossing surfaces will also help commuters passing over CN tracks.
Updates funded by these new investments include the replacement of more than 10 miles of rail, installation of approximately 85,000 new railroad ties and development of the Positive Train Control System, which helps stop trains before accidents occur. Additionally, CN is funding maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure improvements to enhance safety.
For more information, visit CN online here.