Volume 13 Number 3 February 9, 1983

In a continuing program to increase mainline capacity between Calgary and Vancouver, more than $20 million will be invested in the Rogers Pass area.

This includes $2 million in continuing work on the Rogers Pass tunnel and grade revision project, and completion of a 16 mile (25.7 kilometres) section of double track between Revelstoke and the west portal of the new tunnel at a cost of $18 million. This project includes new bridges at Greeley and Twin Butte.

"These projects are an integral part of CP Rail's general expansion programs for Western Canada, and are specifically designed to improve our service on the Mountain Subdivision between Revelstoke and Field," said J.D. Bromley, vice-president, Pacific Region. Work started on both projects last summer.

TWO TUNNELS

The Rogers Pass Project includes two tunnels, one nine miles (14.5 kilometres) long and another one mile (1.6 kilometres) in length, 13 bridges and 11 miles (17.7 kilometres) of new surface grade.

Activity on this project scheduled for 1983 includes continuation of work on the east portal of the long tunnel and rehabilitation work at both portals.

Major engineering design work for the entire project is being carried out this year at the Calgary headquarters of the special projects department. Tenders could be called during the latter part of 1983.

When completed, the Rogers Pass project will provide new trackage designed to eliminate the most restrictive bottleneck on CP Rail's mainline between Calgary and Vancouver.

With its reduced grades, the new section of line will allow the railway to run more and longer westbound freight trains carrying increased tonnages to the Pacific Coast.