$122M Boost Aims to Turn Prince Rupert into Rail Powerhouse
In a bold move to enhance rail capacity and elevate its strategic advantage, CN Railway is investing $122 million in Prince Rupert. This critical infrastructure upgrade—the Zanardi Rapids Bridge Project—is central to CN’s long-term commitment to unlocking the full potential of Prince Rupert, a port that’s rapidly becoming one of North America’s most important gateways for trade with Asia.
A Strategic Gateway Closer to Asia
At 500 nautical miles closer to Asia than other West Coast ports, Prince Rupert offers a significant time-saving advantage. It’s 36 hours closer to Shanghai than Seattle, and over 68 hours ahead of Los Angeles. That edge matters in a fast-paced global market where efficiency and agility drive competitiveness.
With year-round ice-free conditions and one of the deepest natural harbours in North America, the port is primed for growth. CN sees this as an opportunity to push ahead with bold infrastructure upgrades that keep goods moving swiftly and reliably.
Bridging the Bottleneck at Zanardi Rapids
The new 1,600-foot double-track bridge will cross Zanardi Rapids, a natural choke point just before the port. The project includes rehabilitating the current single-track bridge and expanding the nearby causeway to reduce delays. By eliminating this bottleneck, CN aims to meet increasing demand while ensuring future flexibility for decades.
Currently, the rail bridge handles up to 24 trains daily. That number is expected to rise as trade grows, and this project ensures the corridor can scale up without disruptions.
One Project Among Many in a Larger Vision
This bridge is part of a wider development effort that includes the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform and the Metlakatla Import Logistics Park. Other planned expansions involve CANXPORT’s transload facility and Trigon’s berth enhancements—together reinforcing Prince Rupert’s position as a trade leader.
“The Zanardi Rapids Bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a launchpad for long-term supply chain resilience,” said CN. With improved rail capacity, businesses across North America will benefit from faster, smoother access to both industrial and consumer markets.
Building for the Future
CN’s investment strategy reflects its belief that transportation must evolve to stay ahead of global demand. Prince Rupert’s transformation will ensure goods move not just faster, but more sustainably and reliably—backed by infrastructure that’s ready for tomorrow.
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