Grade Crossings REGULATIONS
LOCATION: NATIONAL
Issue/Source: railways, municipalities and private landowners are calling for an extension to the Grade CRossing regulations compliance deadline
Date: March 17, 2021
Suggested ResponseS
- Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Regulations establish important requirements to better protect public safety, such as requirements for signage, sightlines, and warning systems. Under the Regulations, owners of grade crossings have until November 2021 to comply with the safety requirements.
- Based on feedback received from railway companies, municipalities, and private landowners, Transport Canada is considering a potential extension of the compliance deadline. A potential extension will take into account the economic realities created by the pandemic, while respecting the need to strengthen rail safety in Canada.
- Going forward, Transport Canada will continue to work closely with municipal associations as well as the railway industry to facilitate the successful implementation of the Regulations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- In November 2014, Transport Canada introduced new Grade Crossings Regulations to help reduce the frequency and severity of accidents at federally-regulated crossings. These Regulations set comprehensive and enforceable safety standards for grade crossings.
- Under the current regulations, existing crossings, railway companies, road authorities, and private land owners have until November 2021 to comply with requirements, such as signage, sightlines, and warning systems.
- Transport Canada is currently considering amendments to the November 2021 compliance deadline for the Grade Crossing Regulations. The department has conducted a public consultation during the month of January on its Let’s Talk Transportation website.
- The Department has received considerable input from railway companies, road authorities and private landowners with respect to the compliance deadline. Transport Canada is reviewing this input to consider possible options and next steps, in a manner that accounts for economic realities during the pandemic, while delivering on our fundamental commitment to strengthen rail safety in Canada.