At CN, we’re investing today to meet the demands of tomorrow. One example of that commitment is evident in our work at the Port of Prince Rupert—a fast-growing, strategically located trade gateway that plays a pivotal role in the flow of goods between North America and Asia. As global trade volumes continue to rise, CN is taking decisive action to strengthen supply chain resiliency and rail capacity with major infrastructure projects— this includes the Zanardi Rapids Bridge Project.

Positioned for Growth

Today, the Port of Prince Rupert is one of North America’s fastest growing and most efficient gateways—offering a unique geographic advantage. At 500 nautical miles closer to Asia than southern alternatives, it enables faster transit times: 36 hours closer to Shanghai than Seattle, and over 68 hours closer than Los Angeles/Long Beach. That’s a critical competitive edge in a world that demands speed, agility, and resilience.

Unmatched Natural Advantages

The Port of Prince Rupert is located in the heart of the North Pacific and has several key features that make it uniquely suited for global trade:

• Deep Harbour: The Port boasts the deepest natural harbour in North America, ice-free year-round, and capable of accommodating the world’s largest container vessels.
• Safe Access: Thanks to its deep, wide, and protected approaches, the Port enjoys direct access to Pacific shipping lanes. As a result, its pilot times are 2-6 hours shorter than other West Coast ports, making it one of the most efficient access points to North America.
• Rail Reach Across North America: Prince Rupert’s strategic rail connection to CN’s Class 1 continental network enables seamless transportation to major North American markets, ensuring goods move quickly and efficiently to North America’s biggest population centers.



Investing in the future: The Zanardi Rapids Bridge Project

To unlock the port’s full potential, CN is executing a bold investment strategy focused on long-term rail capacity. The Zanardi Rapids Bridge Project stands at the heart of that strategy.

The new Zanardi Rapids Bridge will be more than just a 1600ft waterway crossing; it is a key part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the port’s rail infrastructure in line with the major port projects underway. The Zanardi Rapids, the entrance to the Port of Prince Rupert and the City of Prince Rupert, near the District of Port Edward, presents a natural bottleneck for rail capacity. The new Zanardi Rapids Bridge is designed to expand capacity along this critical link, extending several miles of track in both directions and connecting the new three-track bridge to meet growing demand.

Currently, the existing bridge can accommodate up to 24 trains per day—but demand is expected to grow within the next decade. The Zanardi Bridge Project will not only expand capacity but also future-proof the entire corridor for decades ahead.

Enabling Growth: Coordinated Terminal Expansion

CN’s investment in the Zanardi Rapids Bridge complements the broader port infrastructure development plan aimed at reinforcing the Port of Prince Rupert’s role as a world-class trade hub. Several transformative projects are underway:

• CANXPORT: A bulk transload and breakbulk facility with an off-dock container yard.
• REEF (Ridley Island Energy Export Facility): A bulk liquids and LPG terminal helping position Canada as a global energy partner.
• Trigon Berth Expansion: Increasing capacity at the existing Trigon terminal.
• Import Container Transload Facility: Addressing surging demand for transloading services.



These new terminals will support and enhance the Fairview Container Terminal, ensuring that the Port is aligned for growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness.

Delivering a Resilient, Efficient Supply Chain

The Zanardi Rapids Bridge is more than a piece of infrastructure—it’s a strategic enabler of long-term growth, directly supporting CN’s commitment to creating the most efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chain in North America. With seamless connectivity to CN’s Class 1 continental rail network, the Port of Prince Rupert will continue to provide unrivaled access to key population and industrial centres across the continent.

As we invest in innovation and infrastructure, we are also investing in the economic future of Canada and North America. The Port of Prince Rupert represents a gateway of opportunity—and with the Zanardi Rapids Bridge Project, CN is helping build the backbone for a stronger, more connected tomorrow.

Together, we are powering the North American economy—today and into the future.