A fleet of work trains and specialized rail-based construction equipment, known as yellow plant machines, are being rolled out across the GO network. These machines will help crews complete critical track work more efficiently, with fewer impacts on customers and surrounding neighbourhoods.  

While traditional road and site-based construction will continue to play an important role, we’re introducing rail-based construction methods to help improve how work is delivered. 

A more efficient approach to construction 

Building and renewing rail tracks requires complex work within active rail corridors, including moving a large amount of materials.  

In the past, much of this work relied on numerous trucks travelling in and out of construction sites, disrupting nearby communities. Now, with a fleet of work trains, much of that transport of materials can happen directly on the tracks. 

Work trains can bring large volumes of materials closer to where crews need them, including areas within the rail corridor that may be difficult to access by road. The materials can then be installed using specialized yellow plant equipment, with work trains then removing waste from the site once the work is complete. 

During a typical construction period, moving materials by rail removes approximately 150 trucks from local roads. That can help reduce construction traffic, noise, and dust in surrounding communities. The rail-based approach also helps crews make better use of planned construction periods by having the equipment and materials they need readily available on the tracks. 

Reducing impact on communities 

For people living and working near rail corridors, changing how construction is done can make a meaningful difference.  

The rail-based approach can help: 

• Reduce construction-related truck traffic on local roads
• Limit noise, dust, and other impacts associated with truck movements
• Shorten the overall time needed for track work
• Reduce the need for extended construction activity
• Support high-quality track work for a smoother train ride

Making the most of construction time 

When crews have access to the rail corridor, making the most of that construction time is critical.  

For some types of track work, the rail-based approach can reduce preparation time and follow-up activities from approximately 10 weeks to five weeks. This improved efficiency helps crews accomplish more within planned construction periods, helping minimize service disruptions while critical upgrades move forward. 

Building today for better service tomorrow 

Expanding GO will bring more frequent service, shorter travel times, and increased capacity across the network, helping more people get where they need to go. Every section of track renewed and every piece of rail infrastructure upgraded brings the GO network one step closer to delivering that future.  

By helping crews complete this work more efficiently, rail-based construction is helping support a more connected region for years to come.