CN Chicago rail purchase to fast track Prince Rupert-Memphis run

THE Canadian National Railway's (CN) planned purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) in Chicago is expected to result in cargo moving from Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia to Memphis, says a Prince Rupert Port Authority communique.

Currently, CN is committing to moving cargo 4,960 kilometres from Prince Rupert to Memphis in 117 hours, and to Chicago in 100 hours.

"Once the EJ&E line is integrated into CN, cargo will be transported from Prince Rupert to Memphis 13 per cent faster than from other west coast ports," said Prince Rupert Port Authority CEO Don Krusel. "This will further enhance the Port of Prince Rupert's competitive advantage."

The acquisition, expected to receive approval from the US Surface Transportation Board in 2008, will improve service reliability as well as transit times by moving CN trains out of the congested Chicago urban core to EJ&E lines bypassing the city.