CN plans to invest $320 million for Ontario rail infrastructure expansion

TORONTO—CN plans to invest approximately $320 million to expand the company’s rail network in Ontario in 2019.

The investments are part of CN’s $3.9-billion capital investment in 2019, which is focused on enabling growth from all commodity segments, including consumer goods, grain, agricultural, forest and energy products, indicates a release issued by the company.

Over two years, CN will have made a $7.4-billion capital investment.

According to the release, planned expansion projects include investments in a satellite intermodal facility near CN’s Brampton terminal to provide additional capacity; intermodal equipment and infrastructure at CN’s Brampton Terminal to serve growing businesses; and facility improvements at CN’s Toronto auto compound.

Maintenance program highlights include replacement of more than 75 miles of rail; the installation of more than 325,000 new railroad ties; rebuilds of 94 road crossing surfaces; and maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure.

“We welcome CN’s investment in important railway infrastructure across Ontario,” said Marco Mendicino, MP for Eglinton–Lawrence, in a statement.

“These annual investments improve safety and operating efficiency and boost economic output. Focusing on strategic assets will support Canada’s trade network and bring Canadian goods to market more efficiently.”