Canada announces funding to improve rail safety in Alberta

Canadian government officials announced CA$3.3 million in funding will be used for 18 rail safety improvements in Alberta.

The money will be used to pay for construction of fencing and other barriers along rail properties; installation of flashing lights, bells and gates at crossings; and installation of advanced train detection and crossing control systems.

The funds come from the Rail Safety Improvement Program.

Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.

"We are working closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements," said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.

This year, Transport Canada is funding two public education and awareness activities, and 103 infrastructure projects, including 98 grade-crossing improvements across the country and five technology and research projects.