T5-Rail-CompletionThe Terminal 5 Loop Track Expansion project, part of the West Vancouver Freight Access project, has reached substantial completion! The new and relocated tracks have been inspected and accepted by BNSF and are now operating.

This project included significant utility and access roadway work, and reconfigured the Spent Pot Liner (SPL) cap that contains former Alcoa/Evergreen materials. The work created a “flexible corridor” that allows the port to maintain the integrity of the engineered landfill cap while providing the flexibility to move tracks in the future much more easily and without disturbing the cap. The project also relocated the southern portion of the Terminal 5 Loop Track closer to the Columbia River to allow for additional room for the BHP Billiton potash export facility. The new track configuration also “stretched” the Terminal 5 loop track to allow for longer potash unit trains.

Additionally, the port added one more full length 7,500 foot unit train track at the Terminal 5 loop, advancing portions of the WVFA work that was anticipated in later project phases. The lighting system originally installed with the WVFA Project 3 has been enhanced to illuminate key safety areas. The signalized crossing has been reconfigured to support the additional track and is in full operation.

Lastly, there were no lost time injuries or accidents associated with this WVFA project, as excellence in safety is always a top priority here at the port.