2023 Vegetation Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - English

CN also has an obligation, pursuant to the Rules Respecting Track Safety, adopted under the Railway Safety Act, to ensure that vegetation on or immediately adjacent to the railway roadbed is controlled. [...] More specifically, the rules require federal railways to ensure the track is free of vegetation that could create fire hazards, affect the track integrity, or obstruct visibility of operations and inspections. [...] The ballast section, on the other hand, is the most critical area as it supports the track infrastructure that supports the movement of freight and passengers and provides an area for train crew to safely inspect their train. [...] The application of steam injection has also been investigated; however, it has proven ineffective in killing the roots, which, if left to continue growing, could compromise the integrity of the rail bed, causing unsafe operating conditions. [...] However, this was deemed not to be a viable option as the acid reacts negatively with steel and the sensitive electronic monitoring equipment used to regulate the safe movement and operation of our trains.