Jim Abbott, Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia today announced $752,017 to upgrade rail grade crossings in Kootenay Columbia riding, including $12,731 to replace incandescent lights at the Big Eddy Road crossing with LEDs.
“Improving rail crossing safety is an important measure that our government announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” he said in a statement. “I’m pleased today to announce an investment that will upgrade high-priority rail intersection crossing here in Kootenay Columbia.
This year, the Government of Canada is providing close to $11 million to upgrade 155 high-priority rail grade crossings across the country. This measure is another important commitment under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
In 2009, there was a 36 per cent decrease from the previous year in the number of crossing fatalities and serious injuries in Canada.
Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings, which is why the Government of Canada works closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. The Government also partners with organizations to implement safety awareness programs, including the Operation Lifesaver program.
For more information on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, please go to www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/publications-46.htm.
