Ontario Completes Construction of North Bay Rail Bypass

The Ontario government has completed construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, a 982-metre stretch of track designed to support the return of the Northlander passenger rail service.

The project represents a significant step in the province’s effort to reintroduce intercity passenger rail to northern Ontario. Meanwhile, three new trainsets are currently being manufactured by Siemens for the Northlander service.

The Northlander once provided a vital link between Toronto and communities across northern Ontario, but passenger operations were discontinued in 2012. The province announced plans to restore the service in 2021, citing the need for improved transport connections in a region where distances are long and alternatives are limited.

When relaunched, the train will operate between Toronto and Timmins with a connection to Cochrane, making 16 stops along the corridor.

Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation said:

With record investments in infrastructure, including the Northlander, our government is getting it done for the people of Ontario by helping to keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty. People and businesses across the north have long awaited the return of the Northlander and that is why we are delivering on our promise to restore this vital transportation network that will propel northern economic growth.

The bypass, which cost 5.7 million CAD, links the CN Newmarket Subdivision with the Ontario Northland mainline on the Temagami Subdivision. Its primary purpose is to divert Northlander services away from the congested North Bay Rail Yard, where freight activity is managed by CN, Ottawa Valley Railway and Ontario Northland. By doing so, the line is expected to shorten travel times to North Bay Station by about 15 minutes while reducing the interaction between passenger and freight movements.

Chad Evans, CEO of Ontario Northland said:

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.

The North Bay Rail Bypass is one element of a wider programme of works to prepare for the Northlander’s return. In recent years, Ontario has committed funding for new and upgraded stations, platform reconstructions, passenger shelters and rail safety improvements.

Key milestones have included:

• Contracts awarded in 2024 and 2025 to rebuild platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at stations along the corridor between Washago, South River, North Bay and Cochrane
• Design and manufacture of nine new station shelters
• Upgrades to warning systems and other safety features
• Construction of Timmins–Porcupine Station, which will serve Northlander trains as well as Ontario Northland’s coach and parcel services.