(Ian MacKay, Vice President, Customer Services & Intermodal Operations at Canadian Pacific Railway, issued the following service bulletin on January 17.)
Due to 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, a Service Alert remains in effect from Calgary to Kamloops. 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.
More than 70 cm (28″) of snow has fallen over the past four days at Golden, with more than 100 cm (40″) on the ground. The TransCanada Highway east of Lake Louise to Golden remains closed and portions of the road are also closed east of Revelstoke to Glacier National Park. Parks Canada continues to fire avalanche control rounds as required to mitigate higher risk snow areas, restricting rail operations.
A comprehensive plan is being executed, with operations continuing through the corridor. Trains are being slotted into place to attempt to operate as soon as Parks Canada releases areas under restriction and it is deemed safe.
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 or specific shipment problem resolution inquiries can be directed to our Customer Service Team at 1-888-333-8111.