Raging floodwaters throughout southern Alberta have claimed a Canadian Pacific (CP) route, leaving the transportation company scrambling to keep trains moving.
 
Heavy rainfall over the Oldman River basin caused devastating floods throughout much of southwestern Alberta early Thursday morning, scouring away a CP line in Canmore.
 
According to railway spokesperson Kevin Hrysak, high water conditions have affected the CP line with high water scouring railbeds and bridge abutments.
 
A bridge carrying CP's Crowsnest Subdivision through Blairmore has been completely washed away, with ties clinging to sagging rails dangling over raging flood waters.
 
CP trains are backed up across Alberta and B.C. as the system is rerouted onto other railways.
 
Railways often have agreements with other railways to accommodate trains.
 
Hrsak confirmed that CP is currently negotiating with other railways in order to ensure continued operation of the railroad.
 
Railway officials have no word on when the system will be back up and running.

Bryan Passifiume.