The Fort George Railway and The Exploration Place announced the Little Prince will be temporarily out of order due to significant infrastructure concerns along the railway.
The railway engine runs on a rare narrow-gauge track and functions differently from any other train currently operating, but because it’s a licensed and active Canadian railway, it needs to comply with Federal and Provincial Railway Operating Regulations, which are inspected and upheld by Technical Safety BC.
During pre-inspections and ongoing assessments, significant deterioration and infrastructure concerns were identified involving a section of track crossing a drainage ditch, where erosion compromised the ballast and embankment supporting the railway ties.
The Exploration Place said due to the movement caused by the expansion and contraction of the continuous steel rails, this section can shift significantly between daytime and nighttime temperatures, creating dangerous track misalignments and an increased risk of derailment.
Engineering recommendations indicate the preferred long-term solution is a properly engineered retaining wall to stabilize the compromised section, with around 300 railway ties needing replacement.
Since the railway is located within Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, Executive Director Alyssa Leier said the issue is a bit more complex than simply fixing it.
“We need to have the proper monitoring and assessment done by a trained archaeologist because it is in an archaeological site, and we will be creating ground disturbance.”
“With that, we need to make sure the proper permitting is in place, and we have the proper people in to do that work.”
Leier said they hope to have it operational this summer, but notes this is something they’re not in control of and the timeline is out of their hands, but have started the process.
She added the cost and complexity is something that needs to be considered as they’re a not-for-profit organization, and need to make sure they’re looking out for The Exploration Place as well.
More updates will be available to the public once the information is known.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
