For Immediate Release May 1, 2008
Government of Canada Invests in Grade Crossing Improvements
in Estevan During Rail Safety Week
Ottawa (May 1, 2008)-- Ed Komarnicki, M.P., Souris- Moose Mountain--In
celebration of Rail Safety Week, Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament
for Souris-Moose Mountain is pleased to announce on behalf of
the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure
and Communities, that the Government of Canada will work to
improve safety at two railway crossings on Kensington Avenue
in Estevan.
“The improvements being made to the rail crossings on Kensington Avenue add to the safety of the travelling public and such enhancements are always welcome,” said Komarnicki. “With new development in this part of the city and the increasing volume of traffic on Kensington Avenue it is important to maintain a high standard of safety at the rail crossings.”
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities across the country to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. This announcement will provide $210,160 in funding for two railway crossings in Estevan. Improvements at one of the crossings will include modifying the existing automated warning system by replacing the existing incandescent light units with LED lights which project a more visible signal. The other crossing will receive upgrades that include the addition of new gates, the replacement of track circuits with constant warning time devices, the replacement of incandescent light units with LED lights and the relocation of the cantilever signals. 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 Minister Cannon. “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.
