CN to Invest Approximately $170 Million in Illinois to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

CN announced plans to invest approximately US$170 million in Illinois as part of its 2025 capital investment program. The investment focuses on track maintenance, strategic infrastructure initiatives, including the Chicago Logistics Hub construction and technology upgrades at CN's Homewood Campus. This follows CN's 2024 investment of US$234 million in Illinois, which included a US$54 million siding extension project increasing corridor capacity by 17%, US$15 million for new equipment including 500 intermodal containers, and US$10 million for intermodal operations improvements. CN maintains a significant presence in Illinois with 1,667 employees, 1,256 railroad route miles, and made US$1.0 billion in local spending and US$46 million in cash taxes in 2024.

Positive

• New US$170 million investment in Illinois infrastructure demonstrates commitment to growth and efficiency
• Previous year's US$54 million siding extension project increased corridor capacity by 17%
• Significant local economic impact with US$1.0 billion in local spending during 2024
• Strategic investment in equipment including 500 new intermodal containers enhances operational capabilities

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure may impact short-term financial flexibility
• Forward-looking statements subject to economic uncertainties and market conditions

Insights

Transportation Infrastructure Analyst

CN's $170M Illinois investment strengthens network capacity, operational efficiency, and positions for long-term growth in a critical logistics hub.

CN's planned $170 million capital investment in Illinois represents a strategic allocation focused on critical infrastructure enhancement. This investment follows last year's $234 million allocation, demonstrating sustained commitment to the region. The capital will fund the Chicago Logistics Hub construction and upgrade technology at CN's Homewood Campus—investments that enhance operational capacity in one of North America's most crucial transportation bottlenecks.

The Chicago area represents a vital hub where approximately 25% of U.S. freight rail traffic converges, making capacity expansion there particularly valuable. Last year's highlighted $54 million four-mile siding extension that boosted corridor capacity by 17% demonstrates the significant efficiency gains possible through targeted infrastructure investments.

This capital allocation follows a systematic pattern of infrastructure improvement, with $10 million specifically directed toward intermodal operations in 2024. With CN operating 1,256 route miles in Illinois and employing 1,667 people, these investments maintain critical network integrity in a state where CN spent $1 billion locally in 2024.

The investment strengthens CN's competitive position by enhancing network resilience and operating efficiency, which translates to improved service reliability and capacity—crucial factors for maintaining and growing market share in the freight transportation sector. The company's continuing investment pattern suggests confidence in long-term freight demand despite economic fluctuations.

HOMEWOOD, Ill., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today its plans to invest approximately US$170 million in Illinois, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the state. This includes investments towards the construction of the Chicago Logistics Hub and projects to upgrade technology and training facilities at CN’s Homewood Campus, as well as network improvements. These projects will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Illinois and across CN’s network.

“We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in Illinois will help strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of our network across the state. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across communities where we operate.”

- Tracy Robinson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CN

“CN has been a tremendous community partner across Will County for many years. This announcement today of additional regional investments highlights their commitment to our areas ongoing success.”

- Hugh O’Hara, President of the Will County Governmental League

In 2024, CN invested approximately US$234 million in Illinois for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. Highlights of this investment include:

• Over USD $54 million for a four-mile siding extension in the Greater Chicago area, boosting corridor capacity by 17%.
• More than USD $15 million for new equipment, including the acquisition of 500 intermodal (EMP) containers and a number of vehicles as part of a fleet renewal program to be used in Illinois and across CN’s network.
• Approximately USD $10 million to improve intermodal operations and build capacity in the Greater Chicago area.
  

Illinois in Numbers:

• Employees: approximately 1,667
• Railroad route miles operated: 1,256
• Community investments: US$ 361,000 in 2024
• Local spending: US$1.0 billion in 2024
• Cash taxes paid: US$46 million in 2024
  

CN Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

 Contacts:

Media	Investment Community
Ashley Michnowski	Stacy Alderson
Senior Manager	Assistant Vice-President
Media Relations	Investor Relations
(438) 596-4329	(514) 399-0052
media@cn.ca	investor.relations@cn.ca

FAQ

What is CN's planned investment in Illinois for 2025?

CN plans to invest approximately US$170 million in Illinois during 2025 for track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives.

How many employees does CN have in Illinois?

CN employs approximately 1,667 people in Illinois.

What were CN's major investments in Illinois during 2024?

In 2024, CN invested US$234 million in Illinois, including US$54 million for a siding extension, US$15 million for new equipment, and US$10 million for intermodal operations improvements.

How many railroad route miles does CNI operate in Illinois?

CN operates 1,256 railroad route miles in Illinois.

What was CN's local economic impact in Illinois during 2024?

CN made US$1.0 billion in local spending and paid US$46 million in cash taxes in Illinois during 2024.