Engineering Services: Track, Bridge and Roadway
Railroad infrastructure demands specialized engineering expertise. CANAC’s knowledge of the industry translates into informed, worry-free engineering solutions for our customers. Our services extend beyond design and specification - they include execution.
Whether it is straightforward bridge inspection, redesign of an industrial layout, or a major track upgrade program, we have the expertise to perform the services using the latest methods. We understand rail operators’ priorities and we plan our work to minimize disruptions. Our engineers, technicians and draftspersons using industry-specific software, drawing tools, technical knowledge, and recommended and standard practice circulars to support us in our services. We are capable of estimating capital and operating costs for transportation of iron ore.
Maintenance-of-Way
We also carry out a full range of maintenance-of-way services. We have an outstanding track record in handling large-scale rail relay, rail welding, tie replacement and total track rehabilitation projects - complementing our range of consulting services.
P-811
CANAC also owns the P-811, a unique multi-task track renewal machine which replaces ties and rail, while levelling the roadbed in a single continuous process. There is only a limited number of such machines in North America. Because the P-811 performs a number of activities rapidly over a short distance, our clients experience fewer train delays, shorter work blocks and a reduction of workforce and equipment costs.
Engineering Projects
These are some of the Engineering Services Projects completed by CANAC. Click on the reference company for a detailed description:
Prefeasibility Study - Commuter Train Service Montreal/Repentigny
CANAC completed a prefeasibility study for the establishment of a commuter train service between Montreal and Repentigny. The study included two parts - one focused on the train service and the other on rolling stock requirements. The goal of the operations analysis was to determine the feasibility of the commuter operation as well as the infrastructure modifications and therolling stock required to support it. Preliminary cost estimates for the track infrastructure modifications including signals, and rolling stock were also produced.
Upgrade to Blainville - Montreal Commuter Line
CANAC was mandated by Montreal's Suburban Commuter agency (AMT) to determine plant requirements and associated costs to extend the present Blainville line service northward to St-Jerome and to consider three routing options to serve either the present Windsor Station or the Central Station options. Runtime and line capacity modeling were undertaken to ensure targeted schedules were achievable and to ensure adequate mainline infrastructure was in place - particularly on the busy Mount Royal tunnel approaches that were to be shared with the Two Mountains train service and a proposed airport shuttle operation.
Installation of Concrete Ties and Rail
When the Government of Quebec approved funding for the modernization of Montreal’s Two Mountains electrified (25 kV) Commuter Rail Service in the early 1990’s, CANAC was mandated to conduct a transportation planning study and develop an operating plan for the new line. Issues such as capacity, train schedules, plant requirements, signaling and communications were addressed in the study. CANAC then proceeded with the design and engineering of the track, signals and communications systems. During the construction phase, CANAC was further selected by the Government of Quebec to manage all construction contracts, co-ordinate and supervise all activities and ensure quality control.
The work included: complete rehabilitation of some 30 miles of track, reconstruction of 11 stations and construction of a new outpost yard and maintenance facility, installation of CTC system and, installation of 16 new or completely renewed crossing warning systems. The $250 million project was completed on time and budget.
Track Construction and Renewal
Construction and upgrade of approximately 30 miles of mainline track including yard track construction in the Saguenay and Lac-St-Jean regions in Quebec as well as undercutting of 16 miles of track.
Turnkey Construction of Unloading Ramp
Design and construct an elevated concrete unloading ramp in Holban Yard, NY for Long Island Railroad following their acquisition of Bombardier’s M7 passenger cars.
Technical Support, Advisory Assistance and Engineering
Provide technical support, advisory assistance and engineering for the preparation of tender documents for the rehabilitation and upgrade of QNS&L’s trackage.
Track Rehabilitation Program
Supply labor and equipment for 5-mile ballast undercutting program, tie replacement, joint elimination and rail de-stressing.
Installation of Concrete Ties and Rail
Supply labor and equipment, including a P-811 track renewal machine for the installation of over 750,000 concrete ties and approximately 150 miles of continuous welded rail on Metro-North, Long Island and New Jersey Transit Railroads in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Included in the above is a 5-year contract awarded in 2007 to supply labor and equipment to install approximately 225,000 concrete ties and rail on Metro-North’s Hudson and New Haven subdivisions; the work includes the replacement of wood and concrete ties.
