(Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Transport Canada approves changes to improve rail safety

Feb 22, 2021 | 10:07 AM

OTTAWA, ON – The federal government has approved measures to improve rail safety in Canada.

Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, has announced that Transport Canada has approved changes to the Rules Respecting Key Trains and Key Routes.

The changes are the result of Ministerial Orders put in place last year, to address important risk factors for derailments caused by railway infrastructure, especially during winter operations.

The revised Rules Respecting Key Trains and Key Routes, under the Railway Safety Act now:

• Require railway companies to develop a winter operation plan that is specific to each subdivision where higher risk key trains operate, which must be approved by a professional engineer.
• Require the use of new technology to detect a broken rail in areas where it is not currently present.
• Strengthen track inspection (increased frequency and improved quality) and track maintenance requirements (i.e. ultrasonically testing replacement rail and improved record-keeping).
• Define a ‘higher risk key train’ as a train carrying large quantities of crude oil or liquid petroleum gases and prescribe speed restrictions for these trains.

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“Canada maintains one of the safest rail systems in the world as a result of shared efforts between our government and numerous partners, including railway companies and communities,” said Minister Alghabra in a release.

“Today, we are making changes to address risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, including train speed, colder weather operations and further strengthening track maintenance and inspection practices. Our government is committed to continuing to work to build an even safer Canada for everyone.”

The Rules Respecting Key Trains and Key Routes can be viewed here, and the Railway Safety Act can be seen here.