New funding for railway crossing improvements in riding of MacLeod

November 08, 2011

Okotoks, AB— The Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance) announced that the Government of Canada is providing up to $196,580.00 in new funding to improve safety at the Lineham Avenue railway crossing in the riding of Macleod, Alberta.

“Our Government is increasing its commitment to rail safety,” said Menzies. “While Canada has one of the safest rail systems in the world, improvements can still be made. This additional funding will go a long way toward enhancing safety and helping to save lives.”

This year, the Government of Canada is providing almost $14 million in new funding for the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP). The GCIP supports projects to upgrade railway crossings and improve safety where road and track meet.   The Lineham Avenue Railway Crossing will have LED flashing light units installs, gates, constant warning time control and dual-tone multi-frequency signalling (DTMF) activation control.

Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. Through the GCIP, eligible railway crossings are upgraded, relocated or closed, based on 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. Transport Canada finances up to 80 per cent of the total cost of grade crossing improvements, with the balance provided by the railways and road authorities.