ST. ALBERT, AB, Aug. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - With over 40,000 kilometres of track, the rail system connects Canadians by moving people and goods across the country every day. That's why the Government of Canada supports projects that improve safety, the economy, and the movement of goods and people.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced more than $3.3 million to support eighteen projects that will improve rail safety in Alberta.
The funds will be used to:
- build fencing and other barriers to discourage trespassing on railway properties
- install flashing lights, bells, and gates at the crossings
- install advanced train detection and crossing control system
The Government of Canada is continuing its investment in the Rail Safety Improvement Program to keep Canadians safe and the railway system functioning at its best. This year's funding of more than $20 million highlights a commitment to our communities to improve rail safety across Canada.
In addition to supporting infrastructure, technology and research projects that improve railway safety, the government believes that promoting public awareness of rail safety also helps save lives.
The Government's commitment to rail safety includes improvements along rail lines and at road-rail grade crossings for such things as flashing lights, bells and gates; the use of innovative technologies; research and studies; and the closures of grade crossings that present safety concerns.
The Rail Safety Improvement Program is an essential component of the Government of Canada's commitment to improving rail safety.
Quotes
"Rail will continue to provide a reliable method of transportation for our manufactured goods and natural resources. Our Government takes railway safety very seriously. The investments announced here in Alberta will ensure it can be done safely and prevent accidents at road-rail crossings."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Natural Resources
Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods
"Rail safety is my top priority. A safe and secure national rail transportation system is important to local communities and to Canada's economic well-being. We are working closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the number of these accidents by taking appropriate action as required.
- This year, Transport Canada is funding two public education and awareness activities, 103 infrastructure projects, including 98 grade-crossing improvements across the country and five technology and research projects.
- Rail Safety Week, taking place this year from September 23 to 29, 2018, is a national event aimed at increasing awareness of safety around railway operations and highlighting government and industry commitment to making the rail system safer for Canadians.
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055
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