Safety at Level Crossings
Information for Municipalities from Transport Canada
In Quebec, trains traverse some 700 municipalities and thousands of level
crossings. Did you know that in Quebec
there is one accident a week at a level crossing, and at least one person a month dies as a
result?
Did you know, too, that most such accidents involve local residents ?
Many of these accidents could be prevented by a combination of good crossing design
and proper maintenance and supervision. Municipalities, railway companies and police
share an important responsibility for the safety of their fellow citizens
Responsibilities of Railway Companies
Railway companies are entirely responsible for maintaining:
- crossing surfaces ("planking");
- crossing signs ;
- sightlines along their right of way (trimming brush);
- automated warning systems (flashing lights).;
They are also asked to advise municipalities of improvements required to safety
devices within municipal jurisdiction.
Responsibilities of Municipal Highway Authorities
Municipal highway authorities should ensure that:
- the highway right of way is clear of obstructions to the visibility of trains,
signs, and warning signals (other highway signs, vegetation, posts; etc.) ;
- advance warning signs are correctly placed, in good condition and visible;
- the geometry of crossing approaches and of nearby intersections, speed
limits, traffic lights, stop signs and road markings are appropriate;
- the road surface is in good condition, free of bumps and holes and even with the crossing surface;
- approaches are salted or sanded in winter;
- snow is removed without damaging the rails or signage posts and without accumulation on the
tracks.
Municipalities should also report to railway officials any risk situation that comes to their attention in the course of highway work or road inspections. They are often in a position to identify shortcomings before Transport Canada's
inspectors, who are responsible for checking level crossings.
Co-operation Between Municipalities and the Railways
Since level crossings are at the point where two modes of transportation
intersect,
it is important for the municipalities and the railways concerned to conduct joint
inspections of existing facilities from time to time. Such inspections also provide
a forum for sharing safety concerns for both rail and road traffic.
For example, they can:
- share information on rail and road traffic ;
- devise solutions to queuing problems and blockages to traffic ;
- review signalling systems, including synchronization of traffic lights and warning
systems;
- check for adequate visibility.
Co-operation Between Municipalities and Police Forces
Transport Canada also urges municipalities to encourage their police forces to monitor driver and pedestrian compliance with the requirements of the highway traffic act at level
crossings. Breaches of the highway traffic act (such as driving around crossing
gates) are a major cause of accidents at level crossings.
Transport Canada: Regulation, Assistance and Guidance
Transport Canada assists and advises both municipalities and railway companies and is the regulatory authority for railway
safety, including public safety at level crossings. With the co-operation of all
concerned, it should be possible to meet safety objectives and reduce accidents.
Feel free to contact Transport Canada's rail safety experts at the address shown
below. They can advise you, provide appropriate technical documentation, put you in touch with other specialists and even meet you on site as part of their inspection
program. Our Internet site gives you immediate access to Transport Canada's rail safety
regulations.
Transport Canada
Surface Branch, Quebec Region
800 René Lévesque Blvd, Room 638
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 1X9
Tel. : 514-283-5722
Fax : 514-283-8234
Internet :
