CN announces $175M in capex for Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee

CN recently announced plans for $175 million worth of capital projects in Michigan, Minnesota and Tennessee as part of the Class I's 2025 capital expenditure program for track maintenance and strategic infrastructure projects. 

In Michigan, CN will spend $85 million to build intermodal capacity and improve operations at its Lansing, Battle Creek and Flint rail yards. The projects are designed to help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Michigan and across CN’s network, company officials said in a press release.

CN operates 812 railroad route miles in Michigan. Last year, the railroad spent $79 million in the state, including on a project to complete the Flat Rock transload facility.

Meanwhile, CN this year will invest $60 million on capital projects in Minnesota, where it operates 426 route miles. Last year, CN spent $77 million in the state, including $9 million to upgrade and improve operations at its Two Harbors rail yard and $2.5 million to upgrade and build capacity at its Duluth Iron Ore Dock.

Also this year, CN has budgeted $30 million for infrastructure, technology, rolling stock equipment and network improvement projects in Tennessee. The investment will increase the entire system's fluidity as Tennessee continues to grow, connecting CN with customers in the state and beyond, Tennessee Department of Transportation officials said in the press release.

The 2025 investment "will support TDOT's vision of providing a safe and reliable transportation system for people, goods, and services, supporting Tennessee's economic prosperity," said Dan Pallme, assistant chief of TDOT's planning bureau.

Last year, CN spent $36 million on capital projects in Tennessee, where it operates 161 railroad route miles.