MONTREAL — The Montreal Port Authority has completed a multi-year flagship project to improve its logistics services and increase rail capacity to “substantially contribute to the local and regional economy,” port leaders said.
The $62.4 million project, which took three years to complete, extends from Bourbonnière Avenue to Panet Street, near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Officials hope the project will strengthen Greater Montreal’s supply chain.
“The rail capacity optimization project illustrates how committed we are to maintaining the quality and reliability of the Port of Montreal’s services at the hub of Greater Montreal’s logistics ecosystem, for the benefit of businesses and the population of Quebec, Ontario and the rest of Canada,” Julie Gascon, port president and CEO, said in the announcement.
The port’s rail network handles over 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) of railcar movements annually. About 45% of the port’s cargo is carried by up to 80 trains per week. The majority of the port’s handled cargo — 39% — is liquid bulk, followed by containers, generating $93.5 billion in economic activity.
Project designers worked to be environmentally conscious by using excavated soil for backfill, using recycled paving for the Port Road, and completing studies on environmental impacts.
The project includes:
— Installation of two new tracks and six switches to serve 14 terminals.
— Construction of retaining walls.
— Relocation of the Port Road and related infrastructure.
The port’s railway has about 100 kilometers (60 miles) of track and interchanges with Canadian National and CPKC.
