Canada backs major expansion of Saint John trade corridor
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of up to C$254 million to support the Saint John Trade Corridor project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to expand cargo-handling capacity and strengthen transportation connections through Port Saint John in New Brunswick.
The funding, provided through the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, will support improvements to port facilities, rail infrastructure and marine operations, with the objective of increasing the port’s capacity to handle between 850,000 and one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) annually.
The project involves cooperation between the federal government, the Government of New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation, the Saint John Port Authority, New Brunswick Southern Railway and the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Expanding port and cargo-handling infrastructure
The investment will support the expansion and modernisation of port warehouses, providing additional space for cargo storage and distribution.
These improvements are intended to accommodate higher-value shipments and reduce cargo dwell times, while supporting the port’s ability to handle temperature-sensitive and discretionary cargo.
A new Canada Border Services Agency container examination facility will also be established to strengthen cargo inspection capabilities.
Marine infrastructure improvements will include dredging and rehabilitation works designed to accommodate larger vessels and improve access during tidal conditions.
According to the government, the project is expected to increase the number of high-water tidal windows available to fully loaded vessels operating at deeper draughts by at least 30%.
The changes are intended to reduce tide-related delays and improve the efficiency and safety of vessel movements.
Strengthening rail connectivity
Rail infrastructure represents another major component of the Saint John Trade Corridor project.
The programme includes upgrading 103 kilometres of New Brunswick Southern Railway track with continuously welded rail.
The improvements are expected to increase the mainline operating speed to 64 kilometres per hour, reduce freight transit times between Port Saint John and Class I railway connections, and improve rail capacity and safety.
Additional works will stabilise the shoreline at Bayshore Rail Terminal, protecting the port’s only rail access and maintaining the reliability of existing rail operations.
The project also includes reconstruction of Simms Corner to separate road and rail traffic, reducing potential conflicts and delays.
Together, these measures aim to improve the movement of cargo between the port and inland transportation networks.
Supporting Canada’s trade diversification strategy
The latest investment builds on more than C$76 million previously committed through the National Trade Corridors Fund.
It also forms part of Canada’s broader efforts to diversify international trade routes and improve the resilience of national supply chains.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said modernising transportation infrastructure would help businesses access international markets while improving the reliability and competitiveness of Canadian trade corridors.
The government expects the project to strengthen Saint John’s position as an Atlantic trade gateway, offering shippers additional routing options when other ports face congestion or operational disruptions.
The investment is being made through the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, a C$5 billion programme introduced in Canada’s 2025 federal budget.
The announcement outlines planned infrastructure improvements and capacity objectives but does not provide a confirmed completion date for the overall project.
