Fact Sheet – The Costs
The Rail Renewal Project
The $103.8-million project is for a fully-renewed Island Corridor that includes improved track, ties, bridges and other infrastructure upgrades.
The improvements – $78.8 million for the Victoria-Courtenay section and $20.6 million for the Parksville-Port Alberni line in addition to $4.4 million to renew the heritage stations – will be phased in over a five-year period.
Construction, which will begin immediately once funding is in place, includes:
• Replacing approximately 260,000 worn-out wood ties using environmentally safe yellow cedar ties manufactured on the Island.
• Adding additional ballast and super-elevation at certain curves using Island sand and gravel to allow for higher train running speeds and a smoother ride.
• Contiguously welding the track throughout to provide better rail passenger comfort and improved running times.
• Inspecting and re-rating all bridges, replacing the decking and carrying out structural repairs.
Breakdown of proposed $103.8 million rail upgrade costs:
• Victoria to Langford — $15.9 million
• Langford to Courtenay — $62.9 million
• Parksville to Port Alberni — $20.6 million
• Corridor planning, heritage stations, trails — $4.4 million
This includes an allowance for cost-sharing for 10 new freight-customer turnouts and $1 million for expert and public consultations to develop a long-term, asset management plan.