Normal operations are expected to get back on track at the Welland Canal next week after a train derailment in St. Catharines, Ont., that happened on Monday, as reported by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System.
“Vessel traffic continues to move through the system, with only minimal delays, as Seaway teams continue to actively manage the situation,” said Nicole Giroux, a spokesperson for the corporation.
Giroux mentioned that vessels are being directed through the east side of the flight locks while the west side is temporarily closed due to the derailment that occurred on March 30.
“At this time, we expect Seaway operations to return to normal early next week,” Giroux stated.
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A CN freight train was travelling west when 14 rail cars, including four tank cars carrying ‘dangerous goods’ derailed, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
The derailment was visible from the Welland Canals Trail. A white grainy substance spilled from at least one overturned car. A CN Railway representative indicated that polyethylene, a “non-dangerous good” used in making household plastics had leaked but posed no threat to public safety.
In an email sent to CBC Hamilton on Thursday, Mac Donald noted that two TSB investigators were present at the site throughout Monday working on gathering information for their investigation process.
“At this stage, we are gathering information and assessing the circumstances to determine whether a full investigation will be launched,” Mac Donald wrote in his email, adding that “it is too early to determine what was the cause of the derailment.”
“Once preliminary information has been collected, it will then be classified based on its significance and complexity following our Occurrence Classification Policy (Appendix B).”
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TSB Still Investigating Derailment Cause
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) reported that around 7:30 a. m. on Monday, a CN freight train was heading west on the main line when 14 rail cars, including four tankers carrying “dangerous goods,” went off track. No injuries or leaks of dangerous goods were reported according to TSB spokesperson Liam Mac Donald.Cleanup Efforts Underway: CN
In its latest update, CN Rail mentioned its teams have safely worked since the derailment occurred and have partially resumed operations. “Crews will remain onsite as cleanup efforts continue along with some repair work on the south track,” said Michelle Hannan, a spokesperson for CN Railway. “CN would like to apologize for any inconveniences caused by this incident and also extend thanks to local first responders who came out.”Suspension of GO Train Service Continues
Metrolinx announced Thursday that Lakeshore West trains cannot service St. Catharines and Niagara Falls GO until further notice because of the freight derailment. “As a result, GO train service remains suspended between Niagara Falls and Confederation with Route 12 GO buses operating between Niagara Falls and Burlington GO stations,” stated Metrolinx. “While we’re adding more available Route 12 GO buses during this period, it’s highly recommended that non-essential travel be reconsidered since bus service is limited and can’t match train capacity.”Source link
