CN boosts Port of Prince Rupert rail capacity with bridge investment

Canadian National Railway is advancing its long-term infrastructure strategy with the construction of the Zanardi Rapids Bridge, a key investment aimed at expanding rail capacity and strengthening supply chain resiliency at the Port of Prince Rupert.

The new 1,600-foot bridge will replace an existing structure near the entrance to the port, currently a natural bottleneck limiting throughput. The project will also extend rail lines in both directions, connecting the three-track bridge to CN’s Class 1 continental network and preparing the corridor for anticipated increases in train traffic beyond the current 24-train-per-day limit.

Strategically located 500 nautical miles closer to Asia than southern alternatives, the Port of Prince Rupert offers faster transit times and boasts North America’s deepest natural harbour. CN’s investment supports ongoing port terminal expansions, including the CANXPORT bulk facility, Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), Trigon terminal expansion and a new import container transload facility.

CN says the Zanardi Rapids Bridge will help ensure the port remains a competitive, world-class trade hub and a vital link in North America’s supply chain.