28 May 2008
Committee Addresses Railway Safety Issues
Airdrie Alberta - More fencing and some subterranean
railway crossings - this is what Roxane West, a key member of Airdrie's railway safety advisory committee, would like to see
constructed to enhance the safety of railroads in Airdrie.
"This is the time of the year when everyone is trying to cross the tracks, where they think it's going to be quicker," West
said.
But she urges everyone to keep safety in mind, to only cross in appropriate places and to be careful.
"It's not worthwhile to make trespassing your chosen route," CPR spokesperson Breanne Feigel said, echoing West's advice.
The railway safety advisory committee - comprising West, Alderman Fred Burley, Pat McMahon, a senior planner with the City of Airdrie,
and Gordie Wharf, of Canadian Pacific Railway - was formed to address issues of safety in Airdrie and discuss and promote solutions.
Railroads are private property and anyone walking on them is trespassing. If CPR workers see a large number of people trespassing, they
will contact the CPR Police Service, which could fine trespassers.
However, it's unlikely the railway company will put up any fencing. The company owns more than 22,500 kilometres of track, Feigel said,
which would require double that to erect fences on either side of the tracks.
This leaves fencing to each community.
According to West, in Airdrie businesses and condos running along the tracks are required to erect fencing, but if no one owns the land
there's no requirement to put up fences. West would like this to change. She proposes the city put fences up, then charge new
landowners for the fencing.
As for subterranean crossings, this strategy would be difficult. CPR owns the land, so any attempt to build such an item would require getting permission to build on the railway's land.
Both West and Feigel think educating people about the dangers of walking down the tracks, and of rail crossings, is important.
It can take a train more than one km - or 10 footballs fields - to stop, depending on the size of the train.
West's eldest son, Andrew, was killed after being hit by a train seven years ago, which is what spurred her to action.
"Maybe this tragedy had to happen to save lives across Canada," she said.
For more information on railway safety, visit: operationlifesaver.ca
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