(Ian MacKay, Canadian Pacific Railway Vice President, Customer Services & Intermodal Operations, issued the following service bulletin on January 18.)
A Service Alert remains in effect from Calgary to Kamloops following the record snowfall, avalanches, snow control activities, and hazardous winter road conditions that continue to severely impact rail operations in Canadian Pacific’s west corridor. While conditions make it difficult to predict the impact on traffic and timing on return to normal operations, shipment delays and interruption should be expected.
Progress has been made as snow-clearing crews have been working around the clock to clear switches and sidings. Several minor slides occurred overnight which restricted train movement and the TransCanada has remained closed between Lake Louise and Golden. With colder temperatures and the snow pack becoming more stable, Parks Canada is predicting minimal avalanche control activities in the next 24 hours.
We continue to monitor the weather, work to restore operations and work with Parks Canada in all affected areas and will be sending further updates regularly as the operating and avalanche control plans are updated.
As shipment plans become available, the Customer Service Team will be providing updates. Further questions about progress on the West Corridor or specific shipment problem resolution inquiries can be directed to our Customer Service Team at 1-888-333-8111.