Ontario Completes North Bay Rail Bypass for Northlander Restoration
The Government of Ontario announced on September 15, 2025, that construction of a 982-metre rail bypass in North Bay is complete. The province says this bypass is part of its work to restore Northlander passenger rail service linking Toronto, Timmins, and Cochrane.
According to the province, the new rail section is expected to reduce travel time to North Bay station by 15 minutes. The government also reports that the restored Northlander service will connect Toronto to Timmins, with a rail link to Cochrane, on a route with 16 planned stops.
The new track links the CN Newmarket subdivision to the main CTON line on the Temagami subdivision, enabling Northlander trains to avoid the North Bay rail yard, which is used for freight by CN, Ottawa Valley Railway, and Ontario Northland. The province says that this separation is intended to improve safety and the efficiency of train operations.
The government states it has invested $5.7 million in constructing the new bypass section. The province also says that several contracts have recently been awarded for other projects along the Northlander corridor. In July 2025, the province announced a contract for the construction of the Timmins-Porcupine station to serve both Northlander trains and Ontario Northland’s bus and express parcel services. In June 2025, the province awarded a contract to EllisDon for reconstructing platforms and installing prefabricated shelters at stations between South River and Washago. In December 2024, the province announced a contract for similar work at stops between North Bay and Cochrane. In May 2024, the province reported three contracts for designing and building nine new station shelters and for rail safety and alert system upgrades.
Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland, described the completion of the North Bay bypass as an important milestone for the return of Northlander train service. North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico called the project significant for North Bay and the region, stating it will improve travel times, safety, and support the local economy.