Government of Canada Announces Funding for Rail Crossing Improvements in Macleod

April 19, 2010

Ottawa – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod, announced over $150,000 in federal government money to upgrade the rail crossing in De Winton, Alberta.
The rail crossing will receive a full signal system installation, including flashing light signals, bells, and motion-sensing control equipment.
“Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings,” said Menzies.  “This money will help reduce crossing collisions, and ensure that Canada continues to operate one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world.”
Since 1981, crossing collisions have dropped over 70 percent as a result of the Government’s partnership efforts with the rail industry, police, unions, and community groups.  In 2009, there was a 36 percent decrease from the previous year in the number of crossing fatalities and serious injuries in Canada, and a 20 percent reduction in the number of derailments for the same period.

The Government of Canada is committed to the safety of Canadians, and reducing incidents at rail crossings which intersect with roads.  It has worked closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements.  The Government also partners with organizations to implement safety awareness programs, including the Operation Lifesaver program. 

This year, the Government of Canada is providing close to $11 million to upgrade 155 high-priority rail grade crossings across the country.  This measure is another important commitment under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

For more information on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, please visit: http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/railsafety/gcip.pdf.