Ontario Construction News staff writer
NORTH BAY – A new 982-metre rail line has been completed in North Bay, marking a key step toward the return of Northlander passenger service in northern Ontario.
Known as the North Bay Rail Bypass, the $5.7-million track will reroute passenger trains around the North Bay Rail Yard, keeping them clear of freight operations by CN, Ottawa Valley Railway and Ontario Northland. The change is expected to enhance safety, improve efficiency and cut about 15 minutes from travel time to North Bay Station.
“This new section of track will enhance safety, improve passenger comfort, and reduce travel time. It marks the continued momentum propelling the Northlander program closer to in-service,” said Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans.
The Northlander is scheduled to resume operations in 2026, 14 years after service was halted in 2012. At that time, passenger rail service between Toronto and Timmins was cancelled due to low ridership and financial challenges.
When back in service, the train will run four to seven days per week depending on the season, stopping at 16 communities along the route and providing a connection to Cochrane.
“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass contributes an important feature to the new era of the Northlander passenger rail service. This new section of track will enhance safety, improve passenger comfort, and reduce travel time. It marks an important milestone and the continued momentum propelling the Northlander program closer to in-service. ” – Chad Evans CEO of Ontario Northland. New train sets are currently under construction by Siemens in Sacramento, Calif., at a cost of $139.5 million. The trains will feature wider seats, accessible washrooms, larger cars and Wi-Fi at every seat.
Work is also underway on new and upgraded stations, platforms and safety systems across the corridor. EllisDon has been awarded the contract to build the new Timmins-Porcupine Station, while Enseicom Inc. is designing and manufacturing new station shelters. Remcan Ltd. and X-Rail are carrying out track and signal upgrades to improve safety and reliability.
Testing of the route and equipment will take place before the service opens to the public, with trains expected to roll again in 2026.