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BNSF shuts down track ‘north and south of White Rock’ due to storm damage

Spokesman Gus Melonas says repairs were anticipated to continue into Saturday
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BNSF is running heavy equipment along the waterfront rail line, to effect repairs to the roadbeds north and south of White Rock, according to officials. (Katya Slepian photo)

BNSF has shut down its rail line north of the border to train traffic until at least tomorrow, as a result of damage caused by Thursday’s powerful storm.

READ MORE: Windstorm wallops Surrey, White Rock

Spokesman Gus Melonas told Peace Arch News just before noon Friday that crews have been working “through the night restoring the roadbed… at various locations.”

“Basically, the high water, the high tide, washed portions of our roadbed away,” Melonas said.

Heavy equipment began rolling along the waterfront rail line Thursday night. One Marine Drive resident described seeing a “massive” crane late Friday morning.

“We’re bringing in cranes, we’ve brought in cars of rip rap and that’s stabilizing the roadbeds that washed away with high tides yesterday,” Melonas explained.

Melonas said while areas of the rail line south of the border were also affected, those were restored Thursday night.

“However, in Canada, since the storm, we have been shut down and we’re going to remain shut down, through the day and into tomorrow.”

Exactly when the tracks will resume operation isn’t clear.

“We’re going to inspect around the clock to ensure conditions are safe to resume normal operations,” Melonas said.

The storm wreaked havoc throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. In White Rock, it destroyed a 100-foot section of the city’s iconic pier, as well as caused extensive damage to East Beach.

READ MORE: VIDEO: White Rock pier destroyed by storm, stranded man rescued

READ MORE: Recovery, cleanup and looting in aftermath of White Rock’s storm



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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