Solutions to enable travel across the high-speed rail network

Published on April 14, 2026

High-Speed Rail 101

Maintaining access to the land surrounding the future high-speed rail network is essential for the people and communities living nearby. This priority was clearly expressed during our first wave of public consultation, where participants emphasized the importance of being able to move freely and safely as part of everyday life. It influences how the project is being designed, with a strong focus on preserving local mobility and ensuring that daily movements can continue smoothly alongside the future network.

High-speed rail must operate on fenced tracks with no level crossings in order to meet the highest safety standards. This does not mean there will be no crossings: safe grade-separated crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, will be built to allow people, vehicles, animals and equipment to move across the corridor.

The fencing is a critical safety measure designed to protect everyone, train passengers, neighbouring communities, and wildlife alike.

From the earliest stages of the project, our teams have begun working closely with municipalities, regional authorities, and emergency services to identify appropriate methodologies and possible solutions, and these discussions will continue as the project advances to ensure local access is maintained and aligned with planning and development objectives.

Designing the network around community access

To limit impacts on daily movement, we are working with host communities to integrate the network into its surroundings. The project team is studying ways to:

Provide safe crossings for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians through bridges, underpasses, or tunnels, according to local conditions.
Install regular crossings in rural areas to support agricultural activities, including passages adapted to large farm machinery.
Preserve access for emergency vehicles, ensuring response times and routes remain compliant with applicable safety and operational standards.
Explore the potential use of Alto’s service roads along the corridor to support local circulation, where feasible and subject to further validation with partners.

All of these elements are being developed in close coordination with municipalities to ensure they reflect local needs and land use plans.

A proven approach, inspired by international experience

Alto’s approach builds on the experience of high-speed rail networks operating safely and successfully in Europe and Asia. Countries such as Japan, France, and Spain have shown that it is possible to combine fully separated, high-speed infrastructure with strong local connectivity by applying proven design standards and best practices. Alto is adapting these lessons to the Canadian context.

What comes next

As the project advances and the detailed alignment is defined, we will be able to provide more precise information on the number, location, and design of crossings, sector by sector. This work will continue in collaboration with local authorities and communities.

Additional details will be shared during the next phase of public consultations, which will focus on the central segment of the network between Montréal and Ottawa, planned for late 2026.