CN rail service which provides the Port of Halifax with a vital link to the rest of Canada and US Midwest markets has been restored nearly a week after being cut off by devastating floods in Nova Scotia.
“We continue to work closely with PSA Halifax and CN to efficiently resume moving cargo by rail to and from the container terminals,” said Lane Farguson, Marketing and Communications Director of the Halifax Port Authority.
“Vessel schedules remain unaffected by this temporary disruption. We recognize and appreciate the efforts of all involved,” he added.
The floods left at least three people dead and one more missing. They significantly damaged homes and infrastructure across the province, notably washing out a section of the rail network near Truro.
Confirming that service re-opened Thursday night, CN stated: “The company will continue to inspect its network across the province as it works with its customers to resume movements in an orderly fashion.”
The statement did not provide details on how the railway managed to re-open operations after the track was so heavily damaged in some sections.
The provincewide state of emergency declared on Saturday, July 22, in response to severe flooding was lifted at 6 p.m. on July 26.
“This has been a significant event that has left a devastating impact on our province,” said John Lohr, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office. “A provincewide state of emergency was an appropriate and valuable tool in the first few days of the response. Now that we are moving into the recovery phase, we continue to work with our partners and no longer need the exceptional powers a state of emergency provides.”
Nearly 500 sections of damaged paved and gravel roads and 60 road shoulders have been repaired since last weekend’s record storm caused severe flooding and damaged many roads and bridges.
Nineteen bridges that needed minor repairs have reopened. There are 29 bridges that need more extensive repairs – some are open with precautions such as weight limits – and another seven bridges will need to be replaced.
(Photos CN and Nova Scotia government)
