While we understand that whistling can sometimes be disturbing, federal regulations in the U.S. and Canada require whistling to be whistling at all public transitions. Train whistles are safety devices that alert motorists and pedestrians to the presence of an approaching train and warn intruders of the rail right-of-way. Locomotive engineers follow detailed instructions that describe when a pipe sounds and what sequence of pipes to use. Train attendants will also use the hose when there is a work project in the area to notify the group of workers on or near the track that a train is approaching. CN makes every effort not to block intersections, but the realities of normal railway operation mean that there are a number of cases – such as weather-related delays or mechanical failures – where a train can stop and block an intersection. Team members are aware of such cases and strive to move trains and clear intersections as quickly as possible. In Canada, regulations require a train to stop at an intersection for more than five minutes. Railway companies, road authorities and owners of private intersections must work together to ensure that regulations, standards and guidelines are applied and that the best options are used to make intersections safe. We regularly inspect grade crossings to ensure they meet the safety requirements set out in the regulations. This information is essential to decide what changes, if any, are needed to ensure that the crossing complies with the rules. You may want to contact the railway company to share this information to ensure that the intersection design makes sense with your use.
We recognize the importance of maintaining the condition of the intersections for which we are responsible. We inspect our intersections on a regulator basis and carry out repairs if necessary. CN crews repair hundreds of grade crossings each year. You, a railway undertaking or a road transport authority can submit an application to assess whether the proposed project is eligible. For more information, visit the Rail Safety Improvement Program website or email Transport Canada`s Rail Safety Improvement Program. To comply with certain rail and government standards, these communities or utilities must follow the following “appropriate” procedures: Please note that the regulations apply to both seasonal grade crossings and intersections that are not actively used, unless the crossing has been interrupted by the Canadian Transportation Agency process or a special permit has been issued. If you are ever stuck at an intersection, leave your vehicle immediately. Stay out of your car and call the emergency number (1-800-465-9239) at the intersection. One of the main factors that help decide which lines of sight are needed is the design vehicle. A “design vehicle” is the type of vehicle that is generally the longest and slowest vehicle that should use the crossing on a regular basis.
Railway undertakings are responsible for selecting the “design vehicle” for private level crossings. The railway can contact you to confirm the best “design vehicle” for your crossing and discuss options that can best manage safety at your intersection. No, it is very dangerous. Please contact the CN Police Service at 1-800-465-9239 to report an intrusion on railway tracks, property or equipment. TC`s Rail Safety Improvement Program information: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/rail-safety-improvement-program.html Since municipalities and utilities no longer need to receive a construction contract (under the Canada Transportation Act), they are expected to enter into a negotiated agreement with us that covers all construction and maintenance issues – and of course, Compliance with our standards where a private road owner and a railway company have an agreement with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), their agreement overrides the roles and responsibilities listed in the regulations. As the owner of a private road that passes over the tracks of a railway, you must play a role in ensuring that the requirements of the regulations are met by November 28, 2021. You must ensure that each of your new or existing private crossings meets the requirements of the regulations. Determining the type of signs and warning systems at a given intersection is another shared responsibility of railways, road authorities and regulators.
The type of protective equipment at each intersection is determined by assessing the characteristics of each site, including the number of trains and vehicles passing through the intersection. Transport Canada and the Federal Railroad Administration have intersections to improve grade crossings that provide funding for the installation of automatic warning devices. CN is working with road authorities and communities to comply with new Transport Canada regulations and standards for intersections and advance our shared responsibility. CN served communities across its network until the required deadline of September 27. November 2016 with information about its public level crossings. CN has thousands of public and private crossings along its network in Canada and the United States, where roads and railways intersect. They range from rural land paths marked by railway sleepers to busy urban highways equipped with illuminated doors and intersecting arms. Grade crossing standards are mandatory technical requirements for intersection surfaces, road geometry, sightlines, warning systems and other elements that improve safety at intersections. For information on TC`s crossing regulations: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/railsafety-333.htm drivers and pedestrians must always follow warning devices and exercise caution at each crossing. We are working with educators and law enforcement partners to spread the word about the importance of pedestrian safety and driving at grade crossings. All new and existing intersections that are modernized or modified must immediately comply with new Transport Canada regulations.
All transitions must comply with new regulations and standards by 2021. To limit your obligations to comply with the Grade Crossings Regulations, one option is to close the crossing or combine your road access with another crossing. To close a crossing, you and the railway companies must agree to close the crossings. Please contact the railway company to learn more about these possibilities. Funding is provided through the Rail Safety Improvement Program. We share this belief with our employees, customers and partners. It is a belief that also applies to communities or utilities that want to build a crossing or parallelism below or above our railway. If there is an agreement and you cannot find a copy, contact the railway or CTA to obtain a copy.
If you are not sure which railway company operates in your country, you can find this information on the crossing map. The Grade Crossings Regulations will come into force on November 28, 2021 and will help improve safety at Canada`s 9,000 private grade crossings. In the unfortunate event that you are unable to meet the minimum requirements, you may be penalized for continued non-compliance. A Transport Canada inspector will communicate their findings with you before enforcement action is taken and is available to help you understand your options. However, until safety concerns are addressed, one option could be to restrict access to the crossing to ensure that all users of the intersection can remain safe. If the railway undertaking`s tracks cross a private road, they must comply with the requirements of the regulations (see your agreement for deviations from these roles and responsibilities). If you have any concerns about the condition of a crossing, please email public inquiries or call (888) 888-5909. If you require additional information on cost-sharing, agreements or disputes related to railways, please contact the Canadian Transportation Agency. For safety information at your crossing, please contact the regional offices listed below: Railway tracks should only be crossed at designated and approved intersections. Crossing railway tracks at another location is considered an intrusion, which is both illegal and dangerous. It is illegal and dangerous to walk on or along a railway line.
In Canada and the United States, railways are private property and people who enter tracks or property can be arrested and fined. You could also lose your life or a member when entering. We believe that grade crossing safety is a shared responsibility between railways, regulators (Transport Canada and the Federal Railroad Administration), provinces and states, road authorities, local communities and the public. .