Transport Canada Investing C$21MM in Rail Safety

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Transport Canada's rail safety program funding for 2021-22 will go toward 103 grade crossing improvements, 18 crossing infrastructure projects (such as fencing and pedestrian crossings), eight grade crossing closures, and six technology and research projects across Canada.

Transport Canada's rail safety program funding for 2021-22 will go toward 103 grade crossing improvements, 18 crossing infrastructure projects (such as fencing and pedestrian crossings), eight grade crossing closures, and six technology and research projects across Canada.

Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program for 2021-22 will distribute C$21 million to 135 projects covering public education and awareness as well as infrastructure, technology and research.

The program provides federal funding to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities at highway/rail grade crossings and along rail lines through grants or contributions to provinces, territories, municipalities, and local governments, plus road and transit authorities, crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations (including academia), Indigenous groups, communities, and organizations and individuals.

This round of funding will go toward 103 grade crossing improvements, 18 crossing infrastructure projects (such as fencing and pedestrian crossings), eight grade crossing closures, and six technology and research projects across Canada, according to Transport Canada.

Since its inception four years ago, the Rail Safety Improvement Program has invested more than C$85 million in such projects, the agency reported.

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

“Supporting activities such as research and the development of innovative technologies are important parts of the government’s comprehensive approach to reducing incidents and enhancing the safety of Canadian communities on railway properties,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport.

Transport Canada is accepting applications for infrastructure, technology and research projects for 2022-23 funding through Aug. 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $40.26 million for commuter rail grade crossing improvements.

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