Railway equipment will be a common sight along the railway line between Brocket and Crowsnest Pass, as Canadian Pacific crews work to replace rails and switches as part of ongoing maintenance - Date unknown Bryan Passifiume.

24 May 2013

Railway Work to End by June

Crowsnest Pass Alberta - Residents of Brocket, Pincher Creek, Lundbreck, and Crowsnest Pass might encounter delays at railway crossings as crews perform scheduled track maintenance.
 
The work, according to Canadian Pacific spokesperson Kevin Hrysak, is part of the railway's Alberta Rail program, an initiative to replace the province's aging rails with modern hardware.
 
"We are replacing the old line as part of our regular maintenance program," Hrysak said. "The new CWR (Continuous Welded Rail) we are installing is heavier, more durable, and longer lasting."
 
CWR rail is manufactured, transported, and installed as one continuous piece, often several kilometres long. The continuous rail has no physical joints, which not only means less wear on the rail, but on railway rolling stock as well. It also all-but-eliminates the traditional clickety-clack sound synonymous with the railway, making for quieter movements.
 
In addition to replacing the rails, crews will also be installing switch hardware at the Brocket junction switch and siding switches in Cowley and Burmis. Known as frogs and manufactured on-site, the entire switch assembly can be dropped into place by crews in a very short period of time.
 
Railway crews will also be performing work at level crossings. The railway crossing at the entrance into Lundbreck saw restricted access for most of last week while crews worked. Crews are replacing the buffers between the rails, leading for a more comfortable journey across the tracks for motor vehicles.
 
Motorists and residents are asked to be patient with crews, as access to certain crossings may be restricted during the work. Hyrsak tells the Echo that the work should be complete by the end of May and will only take place from Monday to Thursday.
 
Bryan Passifiume.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada