Federal tax dollars are going to pay for small improvements to three CP Rail crossings in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, MP Randy Kamp announced this week.
The crossing on River Road at 240th Street will have the delay time increased on the gate, as will the crossing at Tamarack Lane, near the Haney Bypass.
The crossing at Harris Road in Pitt Meadows will see additional signal equipment installed.
Total cost for the improvements will be about $135,000.
This week, April 28 to May 4, is Rail Safety Week. Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings.
Under the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, the government is dishing out $9.2 million for more than 600 railway crossings across Canada.
Improvements may include installing flashing lights and bells, installing gate barriers, linking crossing signals to traffic signals, upgrading light bulbs to brighter LED lights, or adding new circuits or timing devices.
“Our government is committed to further reducing rail-related injuries and fatalities across the country. These improvements will make intersections safer throughout Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge,” Kamp said in a release.
Transport Canada finances up to 50 per cent of the total eligible costs of grade crossing improvements with the balance provided by the railways and road authorities.
Studies show that accident rates fall by up to 69 per cent and fatality rates by up to 80 per cent after grade crossing improvements are completed.
