4 April 2008
Construction of Railway Siding Continues
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A westbound freight train passes through the construction area
in Coleman. Crews are working on extending the siding in the eastern portion of Coleman, a project that will see the permanent closure
of the 88th Street level crossing.
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Coleman Alberta - A planned extension of the Chinook
siding between western Blairmore and eastern Coleman has commenced.
The siding, which will act as a "turn-off lane" for trains to pass each other on an otherwise impassible single
track, is due to be extended approximately one kilometre west, between 88 Street and 81 Street.
The construction will mean the permanent closure of the 88 Street level crossing, which will be maintained for emergencies only.
Drain Brothers Construction is the contractor in charge of creating and grading the land that the rail siding will sit on.
The construction of the actual railway surface will be undertaken by Canadian Pacific Rail crews themselves, after Drain Brothers has
finished its work.
The closure of the 88 Street crossing is of concern to several residents of Bushtown, as the closure leaves 81 Street as the only
entrance into the community.
During their regular meeting on 1 Apr 2008, council expressed concern with the closure, but conceded that the work being
done on the siding is part of an agreement made with Canadian Pacific.
Work is expected to be completed, and the 88 Street crossing formally closed, in early summer.
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