CP to close Cranbrook rail yard and open inter modal truck loading facility

Mark Jackson (left), CP superintendent Kootenay division with David Hull of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce. — Photo Marie Milner, Kootenay Business

Mark Jackson, CP superintendent for the Kootenay diversion of the Calgary-based railway company, was the guest speaker at the monthly luncheon of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.
He spoke of the achievements the company has seen in bringing operating costs down and profit margins up under the guidance of CEO Hunter Harrison.

He told the audience at the St. Eugene Mission that CP will invest some $300 million installing new train tracking technology throughout the Kootenay division.  This new system will allow CP to keep better computerized track of where each trains is operating and should positively impact the efficient overall operation of the Kootenay division.

Close to 10% of CP's revenue is from hauling coal which originates in the Elk Valley.

"We are closing the Cranbrook rail yard and replacing it with an inter modal truck loading facility,  Three trucking companies will be setting up to service this new facility." Mark Jackson, told the Chamber of Commerce audience.  "We will be preserving the historic round house building in the Cranbrook rail yard as well." 

The closing of the Cranbrook rail yard will reduce the congestion at crossing throughout the city and will see the operating speed of trains going through Cranbrook increase from 20K an hour to a maximum of 30K an hour. Mr. Jackson added that there are numerous hazardous goods that pass through the city but he expressed confidence that CP has a good safety record and doesn't see any potential for problem in Cranbrook.

According the to Top 50 Kootenay Employers list published by Kootenay Business CP employs some 540 workers in the Kootenay region.