No. H 108/08
For release - April 28, 2008
OTTAWA - As part of Rail Safety Week, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that Transport Canada will provide support for 82 safety improvement projects at railway crossings across Canada.
"Canada has one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world," said Minister Cannon. "Our government takes rail safety very seriously and we are committed to maintaining that high standard. These improvements will help ensure that happens."
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. This year, Transport Canada will provide more than $7.1 million in funding for 82 improvement projects at railway crossings across Canada. Under the department's Grade Crossing Improvement Program, eligible railway crossings are upgraded, relocated or closed, based on an assessment of factors such as traffic volume and accident history. 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. Transport Canada finances up to 80 per cent of the total cost of the improvements, with the balance provided by the railways, municipalities, or provinces and territories.
"Improving safety at crossings is a priority for our government," added Minister Cannon. "Accident rates and crossing fatalities have declined in recent years, and this funding will allow us to continue to work with rail companies and communities to improve the safety of rail crossings for motorists and pedestrians throughout Canada."
Transport Canada also supports other initiatives to improve safety at railway crossings, such as Operation Lifesaver. This public education program run by the Railway Association of Canada has promoted safety at railway crossings since 1981 by providing awareness briefings to schools and communities, developing and promoting videos, and sponsoring events.
A backgrounder on railway crossing facts and a list of crossings scheduled for improvements are attached.
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