The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has completed its extensive project to optimize rail capacity, which aims to improve the performance and fluidity of its logistics services.
This massive project, spanning from Bourbonnière Avenue to Panet Street near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and costing $62.4 million, will be phased in over three years and would significantly boost the Port of Montreal’s rail capacity.
Every year, the Port of Montreal’s rail network reportedly transports 2,500 kilometres of railcars. Rail transports around 45 per cent of the Port’s cargo, with 60 to 80 trains passing through each week.
The project’s goal is to improve and optimise the vital infrastructure at the heart of Greater Montreal’s supply chain.
READ: Port of Montreal gets CAD$150 million boost for Contrecoeur terminal
The project features installation of two new tracks totalling 6 kilometres of additional track and six switches to serve the 14 terminals.
The rail capacity optimization project called on several teams from the MPA and partner companies, including civil engineering, environment, port land use planning, electricity, telecommunications and rail teams.
Several methods were also proposed to improve the project’s environmental performance. For example, excavated dirt was utilised as backfill, the new Port Road is composed of recycled asphalt, and the composite railway sleepers are produced from recycled plastic.
Before the project began, sectoral studies were conducted on noise, dust, traffic, and the impact on flora and fauna.
READ: Port of Montreal pens deal for Contrecoeur in-water works
Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, said: “The rail capacity optimization project illustrates how committed we are to maintaining the quality and reliability of the Port of Montreal’s services at the hub of Greater Montreal’s logistics ecosystem, for the benefit of businesses and the population of Quebec, Ontario and the rest of Canada.”
This major infrastructure project was supported by the governments of Canada ($18.4 million – as part of the National Trade Corridors Fund) and Quebec ($18.3 million).
