Vancouver port sets construction date for rail overpass project

The Port of Vancouver — in partnership with CN, the city of Burnaby and the Canadian government — will begin construction later this year on the Holdom Overpass project, a new four-lane overpass that will cross rail lines in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The overpass will extend Holdom Avenue south over the rail corridor and Still Creek, connecting it with Douglas Road. Once completed, there will be an increase in rail capacity for Port of Vancouver terminals and improve traffic flow and safety for the Burnaby community, port officials said in a press release.

The corridor through Burnaby is the only rail connection to transport goods and commodities to and from port terminals located in North Vancouver. The rail corridor is used to move more than 40 million metric tons of export cargo, accounting for more than 40% of the port’s total international exports in 2023. 

The overpass will support an increase in rail capacity for terminals, port authority officials said. The overpass project is in addition to the rail improvements completed by CN in 2022, which included updates to the Thornton Tunnel and a new siding.  

The port authority previously consulted with the public and the First Nations about the project, and their input helped shape the overpass design, port officials said. Public space surrounding the overpass will include First Nations cultural recognition, public art and improved landscaping in the Still Creek and Beecher Creek areas.

"This project demonstrates our commitment to moving the economy with safer, more efficient transportation solutions benefiting both our customers and the communities we serve," said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson.