CN to Invest $50 Million in Louisiana to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

CN (NYSE: CNI) has announced plans to invest US$50 million in Louisiana as part of its 2025 capital investment program. The investment will focus on track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives, including capacity expansion in the New Orleans area and upgrades to the Geismar railyard operations.

This follows CN's US$52 million investment in Louisiana during 2024, which included over $18 million for bridge upgrades in New Orleans. The company currently operates 227 railroad route miles in Louisiana, employs approximately 330 people, and made US$25 million in local spending during 2024.

Insights

Transportation Infrastructure Analyst

CN's $50M Louisiana investment maintains capital spending levels, focusing on strategic infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.

CN's planned $50 million infrastructure investment in Louisiana represents a continuation of their capital allocation strategy, closely matching last year's $52 million spend in the state. This investment focuses on two critical areas: expanding capacity in the strategically important New Orleans region and upgrading operations at the Geismar railyard.

The New Orleans investment is particularly significant as it builds upon $18 million in bridge upgrades completed in 2024. New Orleans serves as a crucial interchange point in CN's network, connecting their extensive Canadian and Upper Midwest operations with Gulf Coast markets and international shipping. Enhanced capacity here directly addresses potential bottlenecks in their north-south corridor.

The Geismar railyard improvements likely target operational efficiency. Modern railyard technologies typically include advanced automation systems, improved switching capabilities, and enhanced tracking infrastructure - all contributing to faster car processing times and reduced dwell metrics.

This investment represents approximately 1% of CN's typical annual capital expenditure (which typically ranges between $3-5 billion). While modest in the context of CN's overall network spanning nearly 20,000 miles, the targeted nature of these investments indicates a strategic approach to addressing specific operational constraints rather than general maintenance.

For Louisiana, CN's continued investment demonstrates commitment to the region despite operating only 227 route miles in the state. The $25 million in local spending and employment of 330 people highlight CN's economic importance beyond direct infrastructure investment.

HOMEWOOD, Ill., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately US$50 million in Louisiana, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the state. This includes projects to build capacity in New Orleans area and upgrades to improve operations at CN’s Geismar railyard. These projects will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Louisiana and across CN’s network.

“We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in Louisiana 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

“I applaud CN for their investment in the State of Louisiana. The implementation of strategic infrastructure initiatives, projects to increase operational capacity, and planned system wide upgrades will continue to show CN’s commitment to safely move freight through the cities and parishes of Louisiana. This investment also shows CN’s commitment and partnership toward ensuring our vision of economic growth and prosperity is realized for citizens of Louisiana.”   

- The Honorable Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana

In 2024, CN invested approximately US$52 million in Louisiana for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. A highlight from this investment includes over $18 million for bridge upgrades in New Orleans.

Louisiana in Numbers:

• Capital investments: More than US$ 52 million in 2024
• Employees: approximately 330
• Railroad route miles operated: 227
• Community investments: US$ 72,000 in 2024
• Local spending: US$25 million in 2024
• Cash taxes paid: US$9.2 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

How much is CN (NYSE: CNI) investing in Louisiana for 2025?

CN is investing approximately US$50 million in Louisiana as part of its 2025 capital investment program, focusing on track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives.

What were CN's investments in Louisiana during 2024?

CN invested approximately US$52 million in Louisiana during 2024, including over $18 million for bridge upgrades in New Orleans.

How many employees does CN have in Louisiana?

CN employs approximately 330 people in Louisiana and operates 227 railroad route miles in the state.

What are the main projects included in CN's 2025 Louisiana investment?

The investment includes projects to build capacity in the New Orleans area and upgrades to improve operations at CN's Geismar railyard.

What is CN's economic impact in Louisiana?

In 2024, CN made US$25 million in local spending, paid US$9.2 million in cash taxes, and contributed US$72,000 in community investments in Louisiana.