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I see that Roberts Bank is getting some big upgrades as part of the "Gateway" program here in Canada...

They've added another track just to the north of the existing coal tracks, creating additional space for container traffic (coal uses the four north tracks now, leaving the six south tracks for intermodal). Also see the three tracks leading into Roberts Bank are being extended east of the 41B (?) crossing.

Took some pics, let's see if I can get them to load./??

Ok, they're too big to upload here, and too big to post from Photobucket directly. So here's a link:

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5961.jpg

This is standing on the Deltaport Way overpass... looking SW, with a CP transfer set bringing in intermodal cars. On the far right, you can see the new track that has been added north of the old North 1 track. Also, the old North 1 east end curve has been matched with the new track.

The four north tracks (on the right) are now exclusively for coal, the old North 4 track becoming an additional intermodal track.. now there are six container tracks, plus the set out on the east end.

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5953.jpg

Three coal trains wait for their turns in the dumper..

The three new "state-of-the-art" dual-hoist cranes added to the third berth at Deltaport:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5958.jpg

And some links for your perusal:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/relea ... e-5800.htm
http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/proje ... oject.aspx


Not too many intermodal trains at the moment:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5947.jpg

Widening of Deltaport Way:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5948.jpg

With the shoulder now barricaded off and under construction, there's nowhere for people to dump their garbage illegally now.. or have fires... and the longshoremen have to drive to the overpass at the end to smoke up and drink now.. ha ha

Water feature? These are being built along the water where the banks used to be, before the road was widened..
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5959.jpg


Future Gulf expansion at the 57B Street crossing:
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... 0_5967.jpg

I've heard that there's going to be an overpass built at 41B street, and the crossing at 57B street will be closed permanently... but only time will tell. With all the construction going on for the new South Fraser Perimeter Road, who knows what will happen...

I've always wondered why coal trains were heading north from Seattle. I know there aren't any coal fired plants near Everett or Bellingham and it didn't seem likely that BC had coal plants either. Where's it going?

To the Westshore terminal, then onto a boat.

http://www.westshore.com/

^ Their website has a list of boats, if you want to see where its headed.

Gulf expansion is underway.. 57B is "temporarily" closed for the extension/connection of the middle and south tracks. Looks like they'll be able to accommodate around 12,000 feet of train when it's completed.