MP Cheryl Gallant Announces Grade Crossing Improvements During Rail Safety Week

May 01, 2008

Renfrew, Ontario — In celebration of Rail Safety Week, Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke today announced on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, that the Government of Canada will work to improve safety at the Barry Avenue railway crossing in Renfrew.
 
“I am pleased to confirm that the Town of Renfrew will receive $17, 760.00 towards the project cost of $22,200.00 to construct new curbs, sidewalk, fence, barricades and site restoration at the Barry Avenue railroad crossing,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP.

Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. This announcement will provide $17,760.00 in funding for the Barry Avenue railway crossing in Renfrew. 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.

“Improving safety at crossings is a priority for this government,” said MP Cheryl Gallant. “Accident rates and crossing fatalities have steadily 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.