CN’s Winter Rail Plan: C$3B Investment in Canada’s Infrastructure

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Introduction

CN announced its 2025-26 winter plan, as mandated by Transport Canada, to manage freight operations during the winter season. The plan includes equipment upgrades and infrastructure investments totaling C$3 billion, with C$1.5 billion allocated for western Canada.

Winter Preparedness

CN’s winter plan outlines strategies for maintaining safe and reliable service throughout the winter months. The Class I railway prepares for winter conditions year-round, focusing on infrastructure and equipment enhancements to mitigate seasonal challenges.

Infrastructure Investment

In 2025, CN will invest C$3 billion to expand key corridors, add double-tracked sections, and upgrade major yards to increase capacity. Approximately C$1.5 billion of this investment will support infrastructure improvements in western Canada, particularly along key corridors between Edmonton, Alberta, and West Coast ports.

Locomotive Modernization

Since 2023, CN has converted 170 locomotives from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) traction to improve performance in cold weather. This modernization program will see the deployment of 50 additional AC-traction locomotives in western Canada this winter.

Executive Statement

Tracy Robinson, CN’s President and CEO, stated in a press release that the winter plan ensures the company’s teams, assets, and processes are prepared to provide safe and reliable service for its customers throughout the winter season.

Conclusion

CN’s 2025-26 winter plan, developed in compliance with Transport Canada’s requirements, focuses on infrastructure investments and equipment upgrades to maintain freight service reliability during the winter months.

Company Summary

CN: A Class I railway that operates across Canada and the United States, handling a variety of freight.

Transport Canada: The department of the Government of Canada responsible for transportation policies and programs.

Technology

AC-traction: Alternating current traction for locomotives.

DC-traction: Direct current traction for locomotives.

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