February 7, 2014 – Ottawa – Transport Canada
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced proposed Grade Crossings Regulations that would establish new safety standards for federally regulated grade crossings. A grade crossing, also known as a road or level crossing, is where a railway line crosses a road at the same level.
Under the authority of the Railway Safety Act, the proposed regulations will improve safety by helping to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, therefore saving lives and preventing injuries and derailments at federally regulated grade crossings. In particular, the proposed regulations would improve safety by:
- Providing comprehensive and enforceable safety standards for grade crossings;
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of railway companies and road authorities; and
- Mandating the sharing of key safety information between railway companies and road authorities.
The regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on February 8, 2014. Stakeholders and the public will have 90 days to comment on the proposed regulations. Comments will be considered before the regulations are finalized and published in Canada Gazette, Part II.
Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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