CN announces $1.9bn network investment

North American railway operator CN has unveiled a $1.9 billion package of works for 2013 aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving customer service.

More than $1 billion will be spent on track infrastructure this year. CN plans to extend its siding programme in northern British Columbia, Alberta and northern Ontario, double-track sections of its mainline in Saskatchewan and continue improvements at its Kirk Yard site in Gary.

CN is also planning to spend $200 million on the acquisition of new locomotives and intermodal equipment, and locomotive and car refurbishments.

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: “CN is committed to operating a safe and sustainable railway, making continued improvements in service and seizing traffic opportunities to grow at low incremental cost.

“Infrastructure investments, the acquisition of new locomotives and equipment and the enhancement of information technology systems will help support our agenda of operational and service excellence.

“They will also make our customers more competitive in domestic and global markets and position us to maximise further business opportunities in intermodal, energy and other resource and manufacturing markets in 2013 and beyond.”

In 2012, CN’s capital investment programme totalled more than C$1.8 billion.