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(Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power)
Vegetation management

CN herbicide spraying scheduled twice along North Battleford rail lines in 2026

Apr 20, 2026 | 12:58 PM

Herbicide spraying along rail lines is set to pass through North Battleford twice this year as the Canadian National Railway carries out its annual vegetation management program.

The work is part of routine maintenance aimed at keeping tracks clear of vegetation that can interfere with rail operations.

“Vegetation management is a crucial component of railway safety and regulatory compliance,” CN said in a notice outlining the program.

“By proactively managing vegetation, we enhance safety for both rail operations and surrounding communities.”

According to the company’s 2026 schedule, spraying in the area is expected May 24 from Vermilion to North Battleford and May 25 from North Battleford to Humboldt.

A second round is planned Aug. 9 through Aug. 11 along the same corridor.

A diagram in CN’s vegetation management notice outlines the ballast and right-of-way areas where vegetation control is conducted along rail lines.
A diagram in CN’s vegetation management notice outlines the ballast and right-of-way areas where vegetation control is conducted along rail lines. (Image Credit: Canadian National Railway)

CN said herbicides are primarily applied to the ballast – the rock bed supporting the tracks – and in select areas around signals and communications equipment.

“Herbicide application on the ballast section is completed with spray trucks or spray trains fitted with downcast nozzles that spray a short distance above the ground surface with shrouded booms, specially designed to limit herbicide drift into non-target areas,” the company said.

Vegetation outside the track area may also be managed using mechanical methods such as mowing or brush cutting, with limited herbicide use to control invasive or noxious weeds.

CN noted the schedule is subject to change due to weather or operational factors.

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com