MONTREAL, July 11,
2024 /CNW/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA)
is pleased to announce that last week, it completed its extensive
project to optimize rail capacity, a flagship project to improve
the performance and fluidity of its logistics services. Phased in
over three years at a total cost of $62.4
million, this ambitious project that extends from
Bourbonnière Avenue to Panet Street, near the Jacques-Cartier
Bridge, signals a major increase in the Port of Montreal's rail capacity.
Stronger infrastructure at the core of the Montreal
Model
The Port of Montreal stands out
as the "Montreal Model" based on its seamless intermodal transfers
that make it possible to reach a pool of 110 million consumers.
Every year, the Port of Montreal's
rail network moves 2,500 km of rail cars. About 45% of the Port's
cargo is carried by rail at a rate of 60 to 80 trains per week. The
project aims to strengthen and optimize this strategic
infrastructure at the hub of Greater
Montreal's supply chain.
The project features:
- Installation of 2 new tracks totalling 6 km of additional track
and 6 switches to serve the 14 terminals
- Construction of retaining walls totalling 1+ km in length
- Relocation of the Port Road and all related infrastructure
(sewer, water supply, power and telecom networks, etc.)
Environmental and social impact
The rail capacity optimization project called on several teams
from the MPA and partner companies, including civil engineering,
environment, port land use planning, electricity,
telecommunications and rail teams. Several measures were also
identified to improve the project's environmental performance. For
example, excavated soil was used for backfill, the new Port Road
consists of recycled paving and the composite railroad sleepers are
made from recycled plastic. Sectoral studies on noise, dust,
traffic and the impact on flora and fauna were also conducted
before the project began.
"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. Thanks to these significant
improvements, we can not only increase our efficiency, but also
substantially contribute to the local and regional economy," said
Julie Gascon, President and CEO of
the MPA.
About the Port of Montreal
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of
Montreal is the largest container
port in Eastern Canada and a
diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods:
containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry
bulk. The only container port in Quebec, it is a destination port served by the
largest shipping lines in the world. It is also an intermodal
hub with a service offering that is unique in North America, featuring its own rail network
directly dockside connected to Canada's two national rail networks. The MPA
also operates a Cruise Terminal and a Port Centre.
The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components
into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a
sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on
involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity in
Canada supports some 590,000 jobs
and generates $93.5 billion in
economic activity.
SOURCE Montreal Port Authority