No. H083/06For release July 25, 2006
REGINA — The Government of Canada will provide more than $2.1 million for 11
safety improvements at railway crossings in Saskatchewan. This announcement was
made by the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister
of Western Economic Diversification, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence
Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"Saskatchewan produces more than two-thirds of Canada's wheat, and many other
agricultural products that must travel by train to reach markets," said Minister
Skelton. "That means that the places where roads and rails meet must be safe for
everyone. These improvements will help to reduce the risk of accidents and
fatalities between the two modes in this province."
Under Transport Canada's grade crossing improvement program, eligible railway
crossings are either upgraded, relocated or closed. Improvements may include
installing flashing lights and gates, adding gates or extra lights to existing
systems, linking crossing signals to nearby traffic lights, modifying operating
circuits, or adding new circuits or timing devices. Up to 80 per cent of the
total cost of the improvements is financed by Transport Canada, with the balance
provided by the railways, municipalities or provinces and territories. Transport
Canada's grade crossing improvement program has committed more than $100 million
to such projects throughout the country over the last decade.
"Whether in the city or in rural areas, where rail tracks and roads meet, there
is a potential for accidents. The projects that receive funding today will make
these intersections safer," said Minister Cannon. "Improving safety at these
crossings will help to enhance the quality of life for Canadians. It also
continues our partnerships with rail companies and communities to make rail
crossings safer for motorists and pedestrians throughout Canada."
Transport Canada supports two other initiatives to improve safety at railway
crossings: Operation Lifesaver, a public education program of the Railway
Association of Canada that has promoted safety at railway crossings since 1981;
and Direction 2006, a partnership of governments, railway companies and their
unions working to reduce collisions and trespassing incidents by 50 per cent
from 1995 levels by the year 2006.
A backgrounder on railway crossing facts and a list of the crossings scheduled
for improvements are attached.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Gabriela Klimes
Communications, Winnipeg
Transport Canada
204-983-6315
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
BACKGROUNDER
RAILWAY CROSSING FACTS AND TIPS
There are approximately 55,000 public, private and pedestrian highway/railway
crossings in Canada.
In 2005, 38 people were killed and 54 seriously injured in 270 highway/railway
crossing collisions.
Approximately 50 per cent of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with
active warning devices (gates, lights, bells).
Trains cannot stop quickly. An average freight train travelling at 100 km/h
requires about 1.1 kilometres to stop. A passenger train traveling at 120 km/h
requires about 1.6 kilometres to stop. That's 14 football fields!
Look for the crossbuck symbol of a highway/railway crossing. Some more-travelled
highway/railway crossings have lights and bells or gates.
Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off, or turn down, distracting
fans, heaters and radios until the crossing is safely crossed. Opening the
window helps you to hear better.
Never drive around lowered gates - it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a
signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing
signal or your local law enforcement agency.
Never race a train to the crossing - even in a tie, you lose.
Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway/railway
crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks at a crossing, immediately get everyone
out and far away from the tracks. Move in the direction that the train is
approaching from to avoid being hit by debris, because the momentum of the train
will sweep your vehicle forward.
At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a
second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
Railway tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or
playing on them is illegal - trespassers are subject to arrest and fines. Too
often the penalty is death.
In 2005, at least 64 people were killed and 18 were seriously injured while
trespassing on railway property.
Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railway
tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.
Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or railway crossings. Observe and
obey all warning signs and signals.
Do not attempt to hop aboard railway equipment at any time. A slip of the foot
can cost you a limb, or your life.
July 2006
PROVINCE
LOCATION
ROAD
IMPROVEMENT
FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION
Saskatchewan
Swift Current
Lac Pelletier Dr
Constant warning time device
$157,040
Saskatchewan
Swift Current
RR 144
Gates, constant warning time device and automated warning system
$246,080
Saskatchewan
Boharm
Twsp Rd 170
Gates
$60,080
Saskatchewan
Swift Current
Secondary Rd 630
Gates, constant warning time device and automated warning system
$202,560
Saskatchewan
Webb
RR 182
Gates and constant warning time device
$209,440
Saskatchewan
Tako
Municipal Rd
Gates, constant warning time device and automated warning system
$277,440
Saskatchewan
Quinton
Hwy 15
Gates and constant warning time device
$278,880
Saskatchewan
Quinton
Hwy 15
Prepare-to-stop sign
$28,805
Saskatchewan
Waldeck
RR 132
Constant warning time device and automated warning system
$214,400
Saskatchewan
Watrous
Municipal Rd
Gates, constant warning time device and automated warning system
$293,360
Saskatchewan
Perdue
N-S Grid Rd
Gates, constant warning time device and automated warning system
$226,880
TOTAL
$2,194,965
July 2006
