Severe Weather and CN Derailment Disrupts VIA Rail Service, 15 Trains Cancelled

VIA Rail has been forced to cancel 15 trains on Wednesday, including eight serving Ottawa, as disruptions continue following a freight train derailment in a Montreal suburb on Tuesday. Passengers traveling through the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor are being warned of ongoing delays as crews work to clear congestion on the tracks.

The Crown corporation stated that its operations remain “significantly affected” due to the closure of tracks west of Dorval, where the derailment occurred. While some rail traffic resumed on Tuesday afternoon, service remains sluggish as VIA Rail and CN attempt to restore normal operations.

“This shutdown was caused by severe weather conditions and a CN train derailment in their yard,” VIA Rail announced on social media. “Rail congestion caused by this situation, beyond our control, has forced VIA Rail to cancel trains.”

Tuesday saw the cancellation of 14 trains, with others experiencing substantial delays across the corridor. The impact continues to be felt, with Wednesday’s cancellations including:

• VIA 22 (Ottawa to Quebec City)

• VIA 33 (Quebec City to Montreal)

• VIA 38 (Ottawa to Montreal)

• VIA 39 (Quebec City to Montreal)

• VIA 40, 44, 50, and 52 (Toronto to Ottawa)

• VIA 60 and 62 (Toronto to Montreal)

• VIA 641 and 643 (Ottawa to Toronto)

• VIA 70 and 72 (Windsor to Toronto)

• VIA 84 (Sarnia to Toronto, with alternate transportation)

VIA Rail has assured affected passengers that full refunds and travel credits will be issued for canceled trips. Additionally, travelers have the option to cancel reservations without incurring fees due to anticipated delays.

“We are closely monitoring the situation,” VIA Rail said in a statement. “Passengers affected will be informed directly. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this situation beyond our control.”

CN Rail confirmed that the derailment involved 12 railcars within its Taschereau Yard in Montreal.

“The combination of extreme snowfall followed by a derailment in CN’s Taschereau Yard in Montreal has created congestion on CN’s network in the Montreal-Toronto corridor,” CN Rail stated to CTV News Ottawa. “The derailment was contained within CN’s yard and involved 12 railcars. No fires, leaks, or injuries were reported. We are working closely with VIA to prioritize their traffic as soon as possible.”

This disruption adds to VIA Rail’s ongoing struggles following severe snowstorms over the weekend. Heavy snowfall led to “multiple frozen switches” on tracks between Toronto and Montreal on Sunday, causing significant delays. A lack of available equipment and crew further compounded the problem, forcing VIA to cancel 16 trains on Monday.

As VIA Rail and CN Rail work to alleviate congestion and resume normal service, passengers traveling through the affected corridor are advised to check for updates and plan accordingly.