The success of global trade relies on seamless coordination and collaboration across multiple stakeholders. A strong example of this kind of collaboration can be seen in the combined efforts of CN and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which oversees the Port of Vancouver, to optimize the flow of freight to the North Shore of Vancouver. At the heart of this collaboration is the CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge.

The CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge is a vital infrastructure component that connects directly to several bulk export terminals on the North Shore, handling significant volumes of grain, coal, and potash. This vertical-lift bridge must be raised several times a day to allow marine traffic, including commercial and recreational vessels, to pass through the Burrard Inlet. During these lift periods, CN cannot operate trains, leading to temporary disruptions in the movement of freight.

A Strategic Trade Corridor of National Significance

The North Shore alone moves more trade than any other Canadian port, with almost all cargo handled by North Shore terminals moving via rail and the CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge. In fact, almost one-third of all cargo that moves through the Port of Vancouver every year—43.7 million metric tonnes in 2024—goes through the North Shore and relies on this critical rail bridge. This underscores the pivotal role that this corridor plays in supporting Canada’s international trade ambitions.

Through a shared commitment to improve efficiency, safety, and capacity, both CN and the port authority have focused on finding innovative solutions to minimize bottlenecks, reduce delays, and improve safety for vessels and trains crossing the Burrard Inlet using advanced technology, infrastructure improvements, and strategic planning.

Optimizing freight movements through coordination and visibility

The port authority and CN have long understood the importance of successful collaboration to optimize the flow of freight and improve safety for both vessels and trains across the Burrard Inlet. Recent initiatives, including the port authority’s Active Vessel Traffic Management Program (AVTM) and its Centralized Scheduling System (CSS), are designed to enhance the coordination, safety, and visibility over marine traffic in this shared trade corridor.

Active Vessel Traffic Management helps optimize marine safety by enabling real-time tracking and coordination of vessel movements. With better situational awareness, both marine traffic and rail operations can be more efficiently coordinated, reducing delays and improving safety in the busy waters around the CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge.

The Centralized Scheduling System enables the port authority to actively plan and coordinate commercial ship movements in high traffic areas of Vancouver Harbour, including in the Second Narrows, for enhanced transit safety, fluidity, and capacity. Thanks to this system, CN can better anticipate when the bridge will need to be lifted for marine vessels and adjust train movements accordingly. By increasing visibility over vessel movement in the Burrard Inlet, this collaboration reduces the likelihood of congestion, minimizes wait times, and ensures a more predictable flow of freight through the region.

Completed upgrades in the Thornton Tunnel area

Feeding the CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge is the Thornton Tunnel. CN has already completed several key upgrades to increase capacity and efficiency of both the tunnel and the bridge. One of the major upgrades involved improving the ventilation system within the Thornton Tunnel. Previously, there was a 20-minute lag between trains due to ventilation constraints. With the new system in place, the lag time has been reduced to under 10 minutes, allowing for more efficient use of the tunnel during available windows.

Additionally, CN has completed the installation of a 19,000-foot track siding that positions two fully loaded trains closer to the bridge, rather than having them wait further back at Thornton Yard. This allows CN to more quickly move trains when the bridge is accessible, improving capacity and reducing delays in the transport of goods.

These completed improvements are already providing significant benefits by optimizing train movements and reducing bottlenecks during critical periods when access to the bridge is available.

Ongoing Investment in the Holdom Overpass Project

Another collaborative capacity enhancing project currently in the works is the Holdom Overpass Project. This new 4 lane overpass over the corridor along Holdom Avenue along with the closure of the Douglas Road grade crossing will improve traffic flow and safety for the Burnaby community while also unlocking two additional train holding spots for trains going into the Thornton Tunnel to cross the CN Second Narrows Rail Bridge. This project is a collaborative effort of CN, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the City of Burnaby and the Government of Canada. Slotted for completion in the Fall of 2027, the Holdom Overpass Project will allow for even more fluid rail movement to North Shore terminals and further optimization of the use of the CN Second Narrows when available.

Collaborating for a safe and successful future

With these efforts, CN and the port authority are ensuring that the region remains a global trade hub while maintaining high safety standards for both trains and vessels.

The continued partnership and collaboration between CN and those at the Port of Vancouver will ensure that both rail and marine operations operate as seamlessly as possible, meeting the growing demands of international trade and contributing to the region’s economic success.