No. H 109/08
For release - April 28, 2008
HALIFAX - As part of Rail Safety Week, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide support for safety improvements at three railway crossings in Nova Scotia.
The federal government will be contributing $34,160 to add a signal mast and LED lights at the Masstown Road crossing in Debert; $34,160 to add a signal mast and LED lights at the Greenville Road crossing in Greenville; and $7,920 to add LED lights at the Anson Avenue railway crossing in Amherst.
"Whether in the city or in rural areas, where rail tracks and roads meet, there is a potential for accidents," said Minister MacKay. "These improvements should help decrease accidents at crossings in Nova Scotia."
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. 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 remains a priority for our government," said 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 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 is attached.
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