April 25 to May 1, 2016, marks Rail Safety Week in Canada, an opportunity to remind British Columbians to always make safety a priority when approaching or crossing railway tracks.

“Our government works closely with the BC Safety Authority, Transport Canada, railway companies and other partners to ensure the ongoing safety of rail crossings at provincial intersections,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “Rail Safety Week is a great reminder that safety around railways is everyone’s responsibility. If you see tracks, think ‘train’ and be safe.”

“Railway safety is a shared commitment in British Columbia. It is a responsibility of railway owners and operators, regulators, as well as the public,” said BC Safety Authority’s railway safety manager Eric Samuelson. “As we promote Railway Safety Week, we remind the public to follow all rules and signals at railway crossings and not to trespass or walk on railway tracks.”

Working with partners in industry and government, British Columbia has made significant investments in making railway crossings safer. This includes the $307-million Roberts Bank Rail Corridor project, with improvements to nine crossings between Delta and Langley.

As well, the soon-to-be completed, $30.2-million Philip Avenue Overpass in the District of North Vancouver will remove an at-grade rail crossing and replace it with an overpass, improving safety and traffic flow.

On Highway 16 west of Terrace, the Government of B.C. is building a $37-million highway realignment and grade separation to carry traffic over the CN railway line to improve safety and highway access to communities. The government will continue to work with its partners to eliminate rail crossings where possible.

Rail Safety Week safety tips:

• Never drive around lowered gates – it’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local emergency number.
• Never race a train to the crossing. Even in a tie, you lose.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway/railway crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is one metre wider than the tracks on both sides.
• If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks. Call 911 or your local emergency number for assistance. Look for a 1-800 emergency notification number nearby to contact the railway.
• At a multiple-track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
• Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railway tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.
• Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or railway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
• Always expect a train. Trains do not follow set schedules.

Learn more:

BC Safety Authority’s Railway Safety Program: www.safetyauthority.ca/railways