Travelers using Ontario Northland‘s station on Railway Street will soon see construction crews in the parking lot as a major upgrade gets underway.
The project will replace the drainage system, rebuild pedestrian walkways, resurface the pavement, and install new lighting across the entire parking area. Ontario Northland says these changes are meant to improve safety and make the lot easier to use.
Work will happen in phases so the station remains open the whole time. Still, people should expect temporary changes to parking spots, pick-up and drop-off zones, and walking paths. Signs will be posted to guide drivers and pedestrians through the shifting layout.
This outdoor work follows the interior upgrades that started back in October 2025. Since then, passengers have used temporary indoor waiting spaces while the inside of the station gets a full refresh, including new seating, digital information screens, and upgraded washrooms.
Cochrane Station is a key stop in northern Ontario. It’s the southern end of the Polar Bear Express train to Moosonee and will be the northernmost stop for the Northlander when that service returns later this year. The province has put over $100 million into rail infrastructure to bring the Northlander back to communities between Toronto and Cochrane.
Anyone planning to catch a train or bus in the coming weeks should leave a little extra time and watch for posted directions as crews begin the parking lot improvements.