New crossing funds; safety blitzes to draw focus on safety during Canada’s Rail Safety Week

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

As part of Rail Safety Week in Canada April 27 through May 3, Canadian National has launched its annual public awareness campaign stressing the deadly risks of trespassing on railway tracks and property. In 2014, there were 58 trespasser accidents in Canada that caused 36 fatalities and 21 serious injuries.

 

“Trespassing fatalities are entirely preventable,” said CN Police Chief Stephen Covey. “No member of the public needs to be or ever should be on the tracks on or rail property. The railway is not a safe place for children to play and it is not safe for adults to take short cuts across it.”

This week, CN’s Security Team will come out in full force in partnership with Operation Lifesaver, conducting safety initiatives at commuter stations and railroad crossings.

In other news, following the safety theme, Transport Canada will provide more than CA$9.7 million (US$ 8 million) this year for improvements at more than 600 railway crossings across the country through its Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP).

Under the GCIP, eligible railway crossings are upgraded based on factors such as traffic volume and accident history. Improvements may include installing flashing lights and bells, installing gate barriers, linking crossing signals to traffic signals, upgrading light bulbs to brighter LED lights or adding new circuits or timing devices. Transport Canada finances up to 50 percent of the total eligible costs of grade-crossing improvements (to a maximum of $550,000 per project [US$455,000]), with the balance provided by the railways and/or road authorities.

Transport Canada also provides funding through its Grade Crossing Closure Program (GCCP) to encourage the closure of certain grade crossings that are under federal jurisdiction. The program provides a CA$20,000 (US$16,500) grant for a public grade crossing and a CA$5,000 (US$4,100) grant for a private grade crossing in exchange for the beneficiary (generally a road authority or private property owner) relinquishing their rights to the crossing and closing it. In 2014-2015, Transport Canada approved CA$165,000 (US$136,000) in GCCP funding to close nine crossings in the interest of public safety.

Also in support of safety at railway crossings, Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt announced in December 2014 new Grade Crossings Regulations to help prevent accidents and improve railway safety. In particular, the minister said the regulations improve safety by providing consistent grade-crossing safety standards across Canada; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of railway companies and road authorities and promoting collaboration between these parties.

On April 23, 2015, Minister Raitt issued an Emergency Directive requiring companies to slow their trains to a maximum of 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour) when traveling in highly-urbanized areas and increase inspections and risk assessments along key routes used for the transportation of dangerous goods, including crude oil and ethanol.

“A safe and secure national rail transportation system is important to local communities and to Canada’s economic well-being. Through the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, our government is helping to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists at over 600 railway crossings across the country,” said 
The Minister Raitt.

Also in support of Rail Safety Week, Canadian Pacific and the Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will be educating the public about safety in and around railway property and how to stay safe for the balance of the year.

CP and CPPS will conduct rail safety blitzes in communities across its network – from Montreal to Vancouver – with participation from other police agencies and schools to educate motorists, pedestrians and the public about the role we each play in staying safe.

“When people use railway property or tracks as walking paths, they are risking their lives,” said Laird Pitz, vice president and chief risk officer. “Rail safety requires vigilance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We are asking everyone to consider their own safety around railroad property. The impact of an incident can have tragic consequences for all concerned, including family, friends and community.”

Operation Lifesaver (OL) has organized Rail Safety Week for 12 years. This year, OL has planned more than 500 activities during the week, including presentations in schools, mock collisions and crossing blitzes.

“When people see tracks, we want them to think ‘danger’,” said Mike Regimbal, national director of OL. “Ignorance around railway property can result in a serious injury or death and could have a serious impact on you, your friends and family, your community and railway employees.”

 

 

 

 

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