Advisory: CN Right-Of-Way Vegetation Control

April 13, 2023

Information from the Canadian National Railway Company:

CN advised that they will be conducting their annual vegetation control activities in the Rothesay area between April and October 2023.

CN is required to clear its right-of-way from any vegetation that may pose a safety hazard. Part II of the Rules Respecting Track Safety adopted by Transport Canada provide that “vegetation on railway property, which is on or immediately adjacent to roadbed, must be controlled.” If not managed properly, trees, brush or other vegetation can severely compromise rail and public safety. Vegetation can impede the view motorists have of oncoming trains and increase the risk of crossing accidents. Moreover, unwanted vegetation can damage the integrity of the railbed, interfere with signals and switches, contribute to track side fires, compromise employee and citizens safety, reduce visibility for train crews at road crossings/train control signals and track side warning devices, to name a few of the potential risks.

The annual vegetation control program is designed to mitigate these risks by managing brush, weeds and other undesirable vegetation. CN’s vegetation control program is critical to ensure safe operations and contributes to the overall safety of the communities in which CN operates.

As such, for safe railway operations, the annual vegetation control program will be carried out on CN rail lines. Certified applicators will be applying herbicides on and around the railway tracks, mainly the graveled area known as the ballast, but also on other areas of the right of way where necessary for safety purposes. All product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will be observed.

For more information, including a regularly updated schedule and FAQ page, please visit: https://www.cn.ca/vegetation