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6/3/2022
Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra this week announced new measures aimed at improving track conditions to reduce the risk of train derailments.
Transport Canada has approved a series of changes to strengthen the Rules Respecting Track Safety, which railroads must follow when inspecting and maintaining track. The changes stem from a 2020 ministerial order that focused on major risks of derailments due to the condition of Canada's railway infrastructure, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.
The changes require railroads to develop performance indicators that help Transport Canada analyze track conditions that inform its oversight activities; strengthen requirements for inspecting and maintaining ties; and provide government inspectors with access to additional information on company track standards to ensure effective and consistent oversight.
The new measures build on revisions announced in May and December 2021 that focused on the training and qualification of railroad personnel who inspect tracks, track inspection frequency and automated track inspection technology.
"These rule changes will enhance track safety by improving information sharing between railway companies and Transport Canada, as well as by strengthening the inspection and maintenance requirements for crossties," Alghabra said. "We will continue to explore measures that can further improve safety."