Transport Canada announces funding for rail-safety improvements

The Canadian government will provide CA$16.5 million through the Rail Safety Improvement Program to support 136 new rail-safety improvement projects and initiatives, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced yesterday.

The projects and initiatives are designed to increase safety at grade crossings and along rail lines, and prevent serious incidents through education and awareness, according to a Transport Canada press release.

Over the past four years, the government has invested more than CA$71 million to promote rail safety through the program.

Under this latest round of funding, grants will be awarded to projects that will improve 104 grade crossing and other rail infrastructure across Canada. Additionally, funds will be awarded to projects that focus on infrastructure, technology and research.

"We have taken many steps to strengthen rail safety and will continue working on ways to make our railway system safer for Canadians. Our renewed commitment to the Rail Safety Improvement Program demonstrates our dedication to modernizing the railway system so that Canada continues to have one of the safest rail systems in the world," said Garneau.