Grain and other railed goods could start arriving in reduced volume at the Port of Vancouver by the middle of this week, according to Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail.
No reopening timeline has been set, however, for B.C.’s two other rail lines — operated by rival Canadian National Rail, reports the Vancouver Sun.
Last weekend’s wild rain storm forced the closure of all three lines. CN and CP’s main line running through the Fraser Canyon were both shut due to landslide, while on Sunday, CN reported the old B.C. Rail line that it leases — that runs from Prince George to North Vancouver via Williams Lake, Lillooet and Squamish — had also been taken out.
CP released a statement that the company is working to repair damaged infrastructure and restore service to its corridor between Kamloops and Vancouver continues around the clock.
"Progress is being made with approximately 20 separate sections of track across this region already cleared or repaired," the statement read.
"Work will continue through the weekend and, barring any unforeseen issues, we currently estimate service will be restored mid-week."
CP said it is working closely with local and B.C. authorities to coordinate the delivery of critical materials, equipment, food and fuel as CP crews work to safely restore service, which includes coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to assist in getting highways reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
