The temporary closure of Canadian Pacific Railway’s main line in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta isn’t expected to hurt grain movement.Heavy rain and flooding caused washouts that affected tracks and bridges on CPR’s Maple Creek subdivision beginning June 19.Engineering and work crews have been working around the clock to repair the damaged track and restore regular service.The railway declined to specify the extent or location of the damage or estimate the cost of repairs.CPR spokesperson Breanne Fergal said the railway has been rerouting cars to its northern main line, which runs from Saskatoon to Edmonton, as well as over lines in the United States owned by Canadian National Railway, BNSF and Union Pacific Corp.She said June 24 the railway expected to begin shipping cars on the southern route between Swift Current and Lethbridge within a few days.CPR’s more northerly main line from Swift Current to Calgary, which suffered more damage, is expected to open sometime this week.Canadian Wheat Board spokesperson John Lyons said the rail problems haven’t disrupted prairie grain shipments to export position at the West Coast.Smaller rail lines in the area suffered varying degrees of damage from the flooding.Roger Gadd, general manager of Great Western Railway, reported no problems.An official with Southern Rails Co-operative said there have been a few minor washouts on the line south of Moose Jaw, but nothing significant.
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