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To mark Rail Safety Week, the Canadian government yesterday announced plans to provide funds for grade crossing upgrades in the province of Manitoba.

Transport Canada will provide $971,000 through its Grade Crossing Improvement Program to help fund up to 80 percent of the cost to improve six crossings. The upgrades call for installing light-emitting diode and flashing lights, and adding gates and constant-warning devices.

Transport Canada has determined that about half of vehicle-train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices, such as gates, lights and bells.

"Accident rates and crossing fatalities have steadily declined in recent years, and this funding will allow us to continue to work with rail companies and communities to improve the safety of rail crossings for motorists and pedestrians throughout Canada," said Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon in a prepared statement.