Burnaby Rail Corridor Improvements Project/Holdom Overpass

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is delivering the Holdom Overpass project in partnership with the City of Burnaby, CN, and the Government of Canada. The new four-lane overpass will extend Holdom Avenue south, over the rail corridor and Still Creek, connecting it with Douglas Road. Once complete, the Holdom Overpass will replace the Douglas Road rail crossing. As a result, there will be improved safety and connections for the Burnaby community, improved emergency response, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.  

The port authority selected Aecon-Gateway Infrastructure Group as the successful design build proponent through a competitive procurement process.  

The Holdom Overpass will also increase transportation efficiency and trade capacity through the port terminals on the North Shore. As part of the Burnaby Rail Corridor Improvements Project, CN completed the rail improvements in 2022, which included updates to the Thornton Tunnel to reduce the time between trains travelling through the tunnel and a new rail siding track running from Willingdon Avenue to Piper Avenue. 

Project benefits

The port authority has a positive track record of delivering high-quality projects based on best practices in sustainability, environmental protection, and engagement.

	Improved public safety by reducing the risk of collisions between trains, pedestrians, cyclist, and drivers		Reduced emissions and energy consumption  by eliminating vehicle wait times at train crossings
	Better emergency response for police, firefighters, and ambulance to get to incidents faster and more easily		Increased job opportunities by growing trade
	More reliable commute times by removing rail crossing delays		Public space improvements by adding Indigenous cultural recognition, public art, seating, integration of native species into landscaping plans
	Reduced congestion by improving mobility for local residents		Improved connections for walking and cycling by enhancing pedestrian walkways along rail crossings

Timeline

• 2017 – Project submitted to the National Trade Corridors Fund for funding
• 2018 – The Government of Canada confirmed funding to design and build the project through the National Trade Corridors Fund
• 2019 to 2022 – Design and construction of tunnel ventilation upgrades and new rail track by CN 
• 2020 to 2023 – Technical analysis, design development, and public and stakeholder engagement for the Holdom overpass 
• 2024 to 2027 – Overpass construction and closure of Douglas Street crossing depending on funding and approval of final design 

Timelines are subject to change

Project partners

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Working closely with the City of Burnaby, the port authority is leading technical assessments, design development, and public and stakeholder engagement on the Holdom overpass and closing the Douglas Road rail crossing to all users once the overpass is constructed and operational.

City of Burnaby
The Holdom overpass was first identified by the City of Burnaby 40 years ago in their transportation plan. They are collaborating with the port authority to ensure the Holdom overpass responds to the current and future needs of the community. They will own and maintain the Holdom overpass when it is complete.

CN
CN operates trains on the Westminster Subdivision. CN completed the rail improvements in 2022, which included updates to the Thornton Tunnel to reduce the time between trains travelling through the tunnel and a new rail siding track running from Willingdon Avenue to Piper Avenue. 

Public engagement

Funding partners

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the National Trade Corridors Fund, the port authority, and CN.