Speed limit puts more pressure on train service

Intermodal volumes dropped by nearly 20 percent in the wake of the July 1 fire that is severely limiting intermodal capacity out of Vancouver.

CP’s intermodal carloads fell 27 percent for the week ended July 10 from the prior week, while CN’s fell 15 percent, according to Association of American Railroads data.

In the aftermath of the fire near the town of Lytton, British Columbia, Transport Canada imposed restrictions last Sunday on train traffic that could further hinder resumption of normal service through Vancouver.

During periods of high temperatures in the province and when the wildfire risk is considered extreme, trains speed will be limited, the agency said. The speed limit will be in place through the end of October.

Along the subdivisions where the fire occurred, CN and CP will also have to increase brush removal around tracks, conduct fire patrols, and increase inspections of locomotives to remove any combustible materials that accumulate. The measures come as Canada’s Transportation Safety Board investigates whether the fire was sparked by a train.