Extension of Able Siding

The purpose of the project is to provide greater flexibility to the railroad near the Port-Cartier rail yard, in order to increase their transportation capacity.

The Able Siding is currently 1,900-m-long and can only be used by the 160-car trains. The siding will be extended by approximately 800 m to accommodate 220-car trains.

SYSTRA Canada was mandated by ArcelorMittal Infrastructures Canada (AMIC) to perform a design study to extend their existing Able siding. The execution of the mandate was divided into two different design stages. The proposed professional services cover all the activities required to carry out the feasibility study, detailed engineering and technical assistance during the construction phase.

Phase 1: Feasibility Study. Phase 1 corresponds to Progress Level 4 and has three deliverables. Thus, the deliverables for Phase 1 were as follow:

• Geotechnical Study Report;
• Feasibility Engineering Report including environmental considerations and preliminary drawings;
• 25% cost estimate for the feasibility study work.

Phase 2: Detailed Engineering. Phase 2 corresponds to Progress Level 5. The deliverables required for Phase 2 are as follows:

• Detailed engineering for the track and civil components;
• Detailed engineering for the communications signalling system;
• Technical specifications and construction plans;
• 15% cost estimate for the work;
• Environmental clearance application;
• Specifications for comment, submittal, and construction.