Feds invest in Alberta railway safety improvements

OTTAWA — The federal government has announced it will contribute $3.3 million dollars to make Alberta railways safer.

The funds will be used to build barriers to prevent trespassing, and install flashing lights, bells and advanced train detection systems at crossings in 18 projects across the province.

“Rail will continue to provide a reliable method of transportation for our manufactured goods and natural resources,” says Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of 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 Transportation Safety Board says all but five of 77 railway-related deaths in Canada last year were caused by trespassing, or crashes at crossings.