No. H 110/08
For release - April 28, 2008
QUEBEC - As part of Rail Safety Week, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide support for 41 safety improvement projects at railway crossings in Quebec.
"This commitment by our government shows that we are serious about improving safety at railway crossings," said Minister Cannon. "Every year, people are seriously injured or die in accidents at crossings across Canada. These improvements should help decrease such incidents and possibly save lives."
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 $1.2 million in funding for 41 improvement projects at railway crossings in Quebec. 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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