Sept-Iles, Quebec to Wabush, Labrador (New Foundland)

Customer
Quebec North Shore & Labrador (QNS&L) Railway

RailWorks Business Unit
PNR RailWorks

Description
PNR Railway upgraded QNS&L’s existing 50+-year CTC system to a new electronic system along the entire 250-mile line.

Scope
PNR RailWorks served as a subcontractor to Union Switch & Signal (now known as Ansaldo STS) to install and commission the new electronic CTC system. The Signal division changed out every CTC bungalow and intermediate bungalow and replaced all the signals on the line.

All work was completed while maintaining the existing signal system in service. The project was completed over a two-year period in 2007 and 2008.

Unique features
The line’s remote location in northern Quebec presented a range of logistical and communications challenges. Because there was no road access, all materials were transported to the project site by rail cars. Communications were limited to the existing railway line.

PNR RailWorks performed work over two, five-month summer seasons, before and after extreme snow and cold in the fall and spring. Employees lived in movable camps along the railway and were confronted with seasonal pests.

Other participants
Union Switch & Signal (Ansaldo STS): prime contractor