CN sets 2025 capital spending plan

CN sets 2025 capital spending plan

By Trains Staff | May 15, 2025

| Last updated on August 6, 2025


Railroad to spend Ca$3.4 billion on infrastructure, rolling stock

A Canadian National train heads north near Trevor, Wis., on July 13, 2024. CN has released its 2025 capital spending plan and highlighted projects completed in 2024. David Lassen

MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway plans to spend Ca$3.4 billion ($2.43 billion U.S.) under its capital spending plan for 2025, including Ca$2.9 billion ($2.07 billion) for maintenance and infrastructure improvements.

“At CN, we believe investing in our network is investing in the future of North American supply chains,” CEO Tracy Robinson said in a press release. “Our 2025 capital program reflects a clear focus on strengthening the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of our operations. These investments are about delivering exceptional service today — and building a safer, more connected tomorrow for our customers, employees, supply chain partners, and the economy.”

Infrastructure work already underway includes more than 225 miles of new rail installation, as well as eight projects in Western Canada to improve capacity. Those are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The figure is down slightly from 2024’s Ca$3.5 billion, which included Ca$1.7 billion for track and other projects to maintain the safety and integrity of its network, the railroad said. Among the projects included in the 2024 plan are:

— More than Ca$75 million (U.S. $54 million) on a 4-mile siding extension between Sutton and Spaulding on CN’s Elgin, Joliet & Eastern, its route around Chicago.

— Work in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area including $7.6 million for the initial investement in the Holdom Overpass project; $2 million for improvements to the 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) Thornton Tunnel in Burnaby, B.C.; and $7 million for upgrades to the Lulu Island and Fraser River bridges.

— More than $60 million toward completion of the first phase and advancing the second phase of a fuel terminal at MacMillan Yard in Vaughn, Ontario, serving the Toronto Area.

The railroad also plans some Ca$500 million ($357 million U.S.) on upgrades to and expansion of its rolling stock.

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