(Mannville – 12 May 2009) — Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $250,000  to improve safety at two railway crossings in Vegreville-Wainwright, Alberta.

“The Town of Ryley (Range Road 250) will receive $68,560 and Strathcona County (Range Road 232) will receive $181,440,” explains Benoit. “This money represents 80% of the funds needed to erect gates and constant warning time devices at these crossing. Railway crossing safety is always a concern and I am very pleased to see these projects will proceed.”

“Upgrades at level rail crossings are an important part in ensuring the safety of both road and rail users,” said Benoit. “These improvements will make these intersections safer throughout the Province of Alberta.”

Rail safety in Canada will additionally benefit from the Government of Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan, which is accelerating and expanding recent historic federal investment in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. This includes $28 million over five years to enhance the GCIP, which will help save lives by improving safety at public grade crossings across Canada.

Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. Under the department’s Grade Crossing Improvement Program, eligible railway crossings are 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, linking crossing signals to nearby traffic lights, 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.

“Our government takes rail safety very seriously and it remains a priority,” said Minister of State (Transport) Rob Merrifield. “We are committed to further reducing injuries and fatalities at crossings across the country. In collaboration with rail companies and communities, we are improving safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.”

Transport Canada also supports other initiatives to improve safety at railway crossings, such as Operation Lifesaver — a national public education program sponsored by the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada. Its goal is to reduce the needless loss of life, injuries and damages caused by highway/railway crossing collisions and train/pedestrian incidents.

A backgrounder on railway crossing facts and tips is attached.