CN’s single-track, Second Narrows Bridge recently malfunctioned and stuck in the down position. This meant the lift span could not be raised to allow ships to pass into or out of the east end of the Port of Vancouver. The malfunction lasted for about 5 days in the last week of February 2026. The bridge was repaired by February 26, 2026.
Unasked is what would happen if the bridge were stuck in the open position, forcing CN to hold port bound trains until repairs were completed? Depending on the bridge closure’s length, and as rail traffic backed up, CPKC could also be affected due to track sharing in the Fraser Canyon. Similarly, empty railcars would be stranded on the North Vancouver side of the bridge.
CN states that 43 million tonnes or about 1/3 of the cargo that moves through the port each year uses the Second Narrows Bridge so delays at it have a major economic impact.
This possibility of a bridge malfunction clearly shows why the BC Rail line north of Squamish must be kept as a resiliency option, allowing cargo and railcars to reach and leave the North Vancouver terminals if/when the Second Narrows Bridge is unavailable. Unfortunately, CN has applied to discontinue that line.
Risk reducing route options and supply chain management are crucial issues considering Canadian governments’ emphasis on nation building resource development projects and expanding non-U.S. trade. Retention of the BC Rail Sea-to-Sky corridor must be considered as a critical link in the country’s transportation infrastructure to support governments’ strategic goals.
TABC responded to this issue suggesting that the BC Rail line must be considered as an alternate route to the North Vancouver docks in case CN’s Second Narrows Bridge has a catastrophic failure.
