Funding for the Rail Safety Improvement Program
Requesting $14,271,031.59 of contribution funding and $31,000.00 of grant funding for the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates B
The RAIL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM is seeking access to $14,271,031.59 of Contribution funding and $31,000.00 of Grant funding in planned spending authorities.
Key Messages:
- The source of funding is Budget 2019, the safe and secure road and rail transportation component.
- The Rail Safety Improvement Program provides grant and contribution funding to improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.
- Under the Rail Safety Improvement Program, the funds will support a wide of safety improvements that contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines.
- Funds will be used to address rail line safety issues; therefore, Canadians will benefit from a reduction in the number of injuries and deaths from accidents along rail lines and on rail property.
If pressed:
- Rail safety activities may include:
- Improving roadways and intersections (such as adding sidewalks, improving sightlines, constructing diversion roads, re-aligning grade crossing road approaches, closures of unsafe crossings); installing flashing lights, bells, gates; and constructing full pedestrian overpasses.
- Implementing technology safety improvements through innovative technologies such as new detection technologies, onboard data recorders, automated emergency vehicle warnings systems, traffic signals and communication protocols.
- Conducting research or studies related to enhancing the safety of rail lines such as blocked crossings, restricting pedestrian access anti trespass measures outside designated areas.
- Providing Education and Awareness projects aimed at communities for reducing railway-grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents on railway property, particularly in high-risk areas.
Variance Explanation
In 2019-20, a number of projects faced some challenges including severe weather conditions, delays in receiving materials, scheduling conflicts between road authorities and railway companies, and rail blockades. As a result of these delays, there is a need to reprofile Rail Safety Improvement Program funds into 2020-21 to ensure that the delayed projects are completed.
Background
The Grade Crossing Improvement, Infrastructure, Technology and Research component of the Rail Safety Improvement Program funds rail safety improvements that support measures of the new Grade Crossings Regulations aimed at improving public safety at rail property and rail lines (both federally and provincially regulated).
Funding is also available for research, as well as for the testing and development of technologies that can enhance the safety of rail lines (both federally and provincially regulated).
The Grade Crossing Improvement, Public Education and Awareness component funds public education projects aimed at reducing railway-grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents on railway property, particularly in high-risk areas.
This program builds on Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Improvement, Grade Crossing Closure and Operation Lifesaver Programs.