In general, Canadian National does not support the construction of new at-grade highway-rail crossings. CN is a firm believer that the safest crossing is no crossing at all and strongly encourages crossing consolidation and closure.

CN recognizes, however, that there are certain situations where at-grade crossings must be constructed.

In Canada, under the Canada Transportation Act, parties wishing to construct or reconstruct a railway crossing (including grade-separated crossings) no longer need to obtain an order from the agency authorizing construction. Instead, the party is expected to reach a negotiated agreement with the railway covering all construction and maintenance issues, including cost apportionment.