CN’s 2017 infrastructure spending is expected to total $C 1.6bn. This will include the replacement of 2.2 million sleepers and the installation of about 1000km of new rail, plus work on bridges, branch line upgrades and general track improvements.
CN plans to invest around $C 400m in 2017 on the continuing implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) on parts of its US network. CN will install PTC on about 5600 route-km and plans to invest a total of $US 1.2bn on the entire project by 2020.
About $C 500m will be spent on equipment, expansion projects and information technology initiatives to cope with business growth, particularly related to the expansion of Canadian west coast ports, and improve customer service and safety. This includes investment in wayside inspection systems and track testing vehicles.
“We once again are investing with a focus on advancing safety, service and productivity through infrastructure maintenance, strategic growth initiatives and new technology,” says Mr Luc Jobin, CN's president and CEO.
