No. H 106/08
For release - April 23, 2008
WINNIPEG - In celebration of Rail Safety Week, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide support for six safety improvement projects at railway crossings in Manitoba.
"Whether in the city or in rural areas, where rail tracks and roads meet, there is a potential for accidents," said Minister Toews. "These improvements will certainly make these intersections safer throughout the Province of Manitoba."
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. This announcement will provide more than $970,000 in funding for six railway crossings in Manitoba. Under the department's Grade Crossing Improvement Program, eligible railway crossings are either 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. The department 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," said Minister Cannon. "Accident rates and crossing fatalities have steadily 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 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 the crossings scheduled for improvements are attached.
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