CN Track Widening
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
EXCAVATION
Progrus Contracting awarded a 2 km track widening project to M3 Drilling & Blasting, located just past Port Edward near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The goal was to expand a section of the CN rail line that runs through rocky, ocean-adjacent terrain, requiring careful planning and execution.
Scope of Work:
- Close-Proximity Blasting: Blasts took place within 6 meters of the active rail, allowing only 1-hour shutdowns to minimize disruption.
- Multi-Bench Technique: M3 used multi-bench blasts, pioneering from the top bench downward to remove material systematically.
- Challenging Terrain: The rugged coastline presented logistical hurdles, including steep rock faces and limited working space near the ocean.
Challenges & Solutions
Minimal Track Downtime
- Challenge: Restrictive shutdown windows (1 hour) to maintain rail operations.
- Solution: M3 applied precise drilling and timely blast scheduling to ensure quick and safe material removal.
Rocky Ocean-Adjacent Landscape
- Challenge: Unstable slopes and potential for rockfall.
- Solution: Strategic benching and controlled blast designs minimized hazards and maintained overall stability.
Overall Impact:
M3 Drilling & Blasting successfully completed the project without exceeding track shutdown times, delivering the required widening safely and on schedule. This critical upgrade supports one of Canada’s busiest rail corridors—Prince Rupert being home to the country’s third-largest seaport, where a significant volume of container traffic relies on the CN rail network.