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Rail Infrastructure: A Definition

The term "rail infrastructure" generally refers to railway lines, including any structure or equipment that facilitates railway operations, as well as crossings of or interactions with those railway lines by public or private roads, utility companies or other facilities.

In general, the Agency issues orders and decisions authorizing or approving certain railway-related works, sets terms and conditions for such works, makes determinations on railway matters, and resolves disputes (including the apportionment of costs) between parties for any works that involve a railway under its jurisdiction.

The Agency's responsibilities for rail infrastructure include functions related to:

• road crossings of railways (level crossings, subways and overhead bridges);

• private crossings of railways (farm, recreational and other lands);

• utility crossings of railways (such as telecommunications, pipelines and electricity);

• railway works cost apportionment (such as costs for crossing warning systems and fencing);

• railway operation compensation (for work undertaken for safety purposes);

• relocation of railway lines in urban areas; and

• railway charges for construction and maintenance of road crossings of railways.

In addition, the Agency is also responsible for the following functions related to the construction or operation of railways:

• issuing certificates of fitness (liability insurance coverage for construction or operation);
• approving railway line construction;
• approving railway crossings of other railways; and
• making railway track determinations (for discontinuance purposes).