No. H 111/08
For release - April 28, 2008
REGINA - As part of Rail Safety Week, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat 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 Saskatchewan.
"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 Ritz. "This means that the places where roads and rails meet must be safe for everyone. These improvements will help reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities at crossings in this province."
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 $1.2 million in funding for six improvement projects at railway crossings in Saskatchewan. 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 declined in recent years, and this funding will allow us to continue to work with rail companies and communities to increase 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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