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On Feb. 4, Transport Canada announced plans to provide more than $2 million this year to improve 35 grade crossings.


"This financial assistance will improve safety by helping to reduce crossing accidents, injuries and fatalities," said Transport Minister David Collenette in a prepared statement.


As part of Transport Canada's crossing improvement program, funds will be distributed to eligible railroads to either upgrade, relocate or close a crossing. Eligible improvements include installing flashing lights and gates, adding gates or extra lights, linking crossing signals to nearby traffic lights, modifying operating circuits, or installing new circuits or timing devices.


Transport Canada funds up to 80 percent of a project's total cost (program funding was included in its February 2000 budget), with the balance paid by railroads, municipalities or provinces. Since 1994, the agency has contributed more than $75 million to 786 crossing projects.