7 August 2007
Overpass in the Works for Ashcroft
Ashcroft British Columbia - Ashcroft may finally be
getting its railway overpass.
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced on 18 Jul 2007 the commitment of $5 million for the
project with the money coming from the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
The overpass has been the focus of a study for the past few months, funded through a partnership among the Village of Ashcroft, federal
Ministry of Transportation, and CP Rail.
Ashcroft Coun. Helen Kormendy said she returned from an overseas vacation in time to hear the news, and thought, "oh my God, my
election platform is coming true!"
She credits business with being responsible for bringing the overpass closer to reality.
Train traffic is expected to increase in Ashcroft in the next 25 years from 36 crossings each day to about 52. The trains will also be
longer, growing from 7,000 to around 10,000 feet.
Administrator Tom Clement says the consultants recommendations should be ready in Septeber. They estimate the project will cost $20
million.
Lunn announced that $44 million in Beetle funds will be invested in Transport Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor
Initiative for transportation infrastructure in beetle-affected areas.
A first investment of $12 million under this part of the program will go toward railway grade separations to eliminate three key level
crossings: in Smithers, Terrace, and Ashcroft. These projects will be cost-shared with Canada's two national
railways, Canadian National, and Canadian Pacific.
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