Feds offer up new rail crossing safety measures, but no cash to pay for them

OTTAWA – The federal government is proposing new safety regulations for level railway crossings.

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt says the proposed rules will reduce the number of accidents at so-called grade crossings where railway tracks intersect roadways.

The proposal comes just five months after a deadly collision involving a Via Rail train and a city bus in Ottawa, although Transport Canada launched its study of rail crossing safety in 2012.

Six people were killed in the September crash.

The regulations would require that sightlines to crossings be clear of any obstructions, including buildings or other structures, as well as trees or brush.

Railway companies would also be barred from leaving railway equipment unattended if it blocks visibility at a crossing.

As well, roadway authorities and railway companies would have to make improvements to safety equipment and crossing signs.

A cost analysis attached to the regulations suggests that municipalities, provinces and First Nations bands pay for the improvements, with no money from the federal government.

It’s estimated the upgrades would cost an average of about $13.5 million annually over a 20-year period.

But Transport Canada says the benefits, including the prevention of fatalities, injuries and damage to railway systems, cars and property, would far outweigh the costs.

The number of accidents at railway crossings has dropped over the past few years, says the department, although fatalities during collisions have been on the rise since 2009.

The proposed regulations will be open for public comment for 90 days before being enacted.

After that, any new railways crossing that are built will have to comply with the new safety standards.

However, municipalities and railway companies would be given five years to upgrade crossings that are currently in use.