Premier visits Miramichi to witness rail repairs (photos)

The premier, the Executive VP of CN, and local MLAs and MPs were on hand to commemorate the beginning of the work to fix the rail line in Miramichi.

Premier David Alward, MP Tilly O'Neill Gordon, and Minister Robert Trevors arrived on scene at the rail crossing on Hay Lane on Friday afternoon, riding in a CN truck that drove on the rails.  They were wearing hard hats and reflective vests, and once they got out of the truck, Premier Alward grabbed a large tool and helped CN Executive VP Sean Finn put a rail tie into place.

In January at a press conference in Miramichi, CN and the Province announced a

$50 million collaboration to fix the northern line, with the exception of the Newcastle Subdivision.  A few months later it was announced that the federal government would fund the repairs needed in Miramichi to the tune of $10.  VIA Rail service was in jeopardy without the repairs.

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CN said in January it planned to ship cargo around Miramichi.  But with the repairs that have begun tot he Newcastle Subdivision, they will ship cargo through Miramichi if it is necessary.

Premier Alward said he wanted to be in Miramichi to see the major work being done, renovating the whole rail system.  "This is a significant investment between the province, CN and the federal government.  This will allow industrial rail and passenger service to continue here, and allow the growth of industrial developments in the northern part of the province," said Alward.

Sean Finn said the upgrade of the track will help businesses in the region.  "If there are businesses that in the Campbellton area that need to ship south, then the line will be available, and will be in good shape."

Finn also said that the CN marketing department have been visiting companies up and down line.  "We are trying to help companies access global markets on a rail line that is safe and efficient."