A Systems Approach for the Evaluation and Rebuilding of the Rogers Pass Systems on Canadian Pacific

Abstract

Abstract In the 1980’s, Canadian Pacific (CP) constructed one of the most ambitious projects since the original completion of the railway in 1885. The Rogers Pass project was initiated at CP in the early 1980’s to allow for increased capacity and efficiency by installing a second main track within the Rogers Pass area. Completed in 1988, the Rogers Pass Project included the construction of a new line with significantly lower westbound grades and two tunnels with a combined length of over ten miles. Several other systems were required to complete the project that will be discussed I this paper. Recently, CP has started a new Multi-Year Plan to rebuild virtually all of the tunnel systems infrastructure that will not only prolong the life of these systems, but will introduce technology not known at the time of construction. These new systems will enable CP to greatly reduce maintenance cost while improving reliability. These systems include a high voltage transmission line that feed the ventilation house, a sophisticated ventilation system that allows fresh combustion air to reach the locomotives working the uphill grades, as well as process controllers that automate all of these systems. As all of the systems are reaching the end of their useful life, CP’s rebuilding will also increase overall system capacity.