Pier 2-5 rehabilitation - CN Fraser River rail bridge

Canadian National Railway Company (CN) is proposing to rehabilitate (i.e., seismic retrofit upgrades) the in-river Piers 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the CN Fraser River rail bridge at Mile 118.7 on the Yale Subdivision, as the bridge is within a seismically active zone. The bridge is located parallel to and between the old Pattullo Bridge and the new stal̕əw̓ asəm (Riverview) Bridge in the Fraser River Estuary, between Surrey and New Westminster. Pier 2 is located outside federal lands.

The rehabilitation design for Piers 3 and 4 differs at each location but is based on an integrated sleeve frame system that is supported and bounded by a series of 1,524 mm diameter steel pipes strengthened with rebar and concrete. The frame system will be connected to the existing masonry and each concrete pier shaft above the waterline. Approximately 16 piles will be required: 6 piles for Pier 3 and 10 piles for Pier 4. In addition, composite marine timber walers will be installed at Pier 3 and 4 to mitigate any potential vessel collision. Temporary work platforms will be installed around each pier to facilitate construction activities, including temporary piles to support the frame system. Riprap removal surrounding existing piers may be required if piles cannot be driven through riprap. Riprap will be temporarily relocated out of the immediate work area to allow for pile installation, after which the original riprap will be reinstated around the installed pile.

The rehabilitation design for Pier 5 includes steel rings and struts that will be connected to the existing fender piling. Work below the waterline at Pier 5 is not anticipated. Work barges may be required for material delivery and installation of steel rings and struts. These activities may temporarily affect vessel movements in either the North or South Navigation Channels.

Construction is anticipated to commence in summer 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027. The work will be conducted in a manner consistent with the previously completed seismic retrofits at Pier 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

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Latest update

Public notice

Pier 2-5 rehabilitation - CN Fraser River rail bridge – Public comments invited

April 24, 2026 – The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Transport Canada must determine whether the proposed Pier 2-5 rehabilitation - CN Fraser River rail bridge, located on the Fraser River Rail Bridge, Mile Post 118.7 on CN Yale Subdivision is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Written comments to be received by May 23, 2026.

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Key documents

Contacts

Project and Environmental Review
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3T4
Email: per@portvancouver.com


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Pier 2-5 rehabilitation - CN Fraser River rail bridge (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Maintenance activities (fences, walls)

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-04-24

  • Proponent

    Canadian National Railway

  • Authorities

    • Transport Canada
    • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90404

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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