Vancouver completes T-5 rail project

The Port of Vancouver has completed its Terminal 5 (T-5) unit train improvement project. Part of the larger West Vancouver Freight Access (WVFA) initiative, the project adds 10,600 metres of rail capacity to the port's internal system.

The new track, constructed in a loop with associated yard tracks, will provide rail service for a variety of cargoes. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) began using the track at the end of June.

The loop can handle unit trains over 2000 metres in length within the port's internal rail complex, reducing congestion in BNSF's Vancouver rail yard and on BNSF's main north/south and east/west rail lines.

The port estimates the completed project will decrease congestion on the main lines by 25%, with up 40% congestion relief being realised when the WVFA project is fully complete.

Construction of the loop track began in November 2009 and cost approximately Cad$14.6m (US$14.1m), which is part of the port’s Cad$66m (US$63.8m) investment in the T-5 rail improvements.

Delivery of the project marks the first major milestone under the West Vancouver Freight Access (WVFA) and Industrial Track Agreement, an agreement reached between the port and BNSF in December 2008 that provides the overall blueprint and timeline for the WVFA project.

Estimated cost of the WVFA project is US$137m, with targeted completion in 2017.
(Source:Container Management Magazine)