Government of Canada announces funding to improve rail safety in Mont-St-Hilaire
News release
August 14, 2018 Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec Transport Canada
With over 40,000 kilometres of track, the rail system connects Canadians by moving people and goods across the country every day. That’s why the Government of Canada supports projects that improve safety, the economy, and the movement of goods and people.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced more than $335,000 to upgrade the signal system of the Route 116 grade crossing at Benoit Road in Mont-St-Hilaire under Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program.
The warning system will be upgraded so that it can continue to safely manage incoming traffic from multiple directions. This will:
- allow sufficient time for vehicles to clear the rail crossing;
- prevent vehicles from entering the crossing when the signal starts to flash; and
- reduce the risk of collision between trains and vehicles.
The Government of Canada is continuing its investment in the Rail Safety Improvement Program to keep Canadians safe and the railway system functioning at its best. This year’s funding of more than $20 million highlights a commitment to our communities to improve rail safety across Canada.
In addition to supporting infrastructure, technology and research projects that improve railway safety, the government believes that promoting public awareness of rail safety also helps save lives.
The Government’s commitment to rail safety includes improvements along rail lines and at road-rail grade crossings for such things as flashing lights, bells and gates; the use of innovative technologies; research and studies; as well as the closures of grade crossings that present safety concerns.
The Rail Safety Improvement Program is an essential component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving rail safety.
Quotes
“Rail safety is my top priority. A safe and secure national rail transportation system is important to local communities and to Canada’s economic well-being. We are working closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. With this investment we are aiming at reducing the risk of collision between trains and vehicles.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick facts
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Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the number of these accidents by taking appropriate action as required.
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This year, Transport Canada is funding two public education and awareness activities, 103 infrastructure projects, including 98 grade-crossing improvements across the country and five technology and research projects.
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Rail Safety Week, taking place this year from September 23 to 29, 2018, is a national event aimed at increasing awareness of safety around railway operations and highlighting government and industry commitment to making the rail system safer for Canadians.
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Contacts
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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