Rail in White Rock

BNSF train on train tracks along ocean in White Rock

The City of White Rock has a railway that runs along the waterfront. This single track rail line operates 24 hours a day and is operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) and is used by BNSF and Amtrak passenger trains. 

To read more about the history of Rail in White Rock, click here.

Whistle Cessation  

Trains passing through the city will no longer be blowing their horns at each of the eight entrances to the Promenade to alert people of passing trains as of January 2020.

The City reached an agreement with BNSF following the successful installation of safety gates at eight crossings on White Rock’s waterfront. The City partnered with BNSF and Transport Canada to install 16 gates at eight entry points to the Promenade as part of Transport Canada-mandated safety improvements.

The BNSF has issued a general order instructing train crews to stop sounding the horns at the eight promenade crossings starting January 29, 2020. Engineers will still need to sound the horns if they see people or animals on the tracks.

View the City’s news release for additional information.

Pedestrian rail crossing at White Rock Promenade

Rail Safety Improvement - Pedestrian Grade Crossings


In November 2014, Transport Canada introduced new Grade Crossing Regulation. There are several requirements in the regulations, however one of importance to the City of White Rock is that railway companies and road authorities must meet all requirements to upgrade existing grade crossings, including signage, crossing surface specifications, sightlines and warning systems. 

The City partnered with BNSF and Transport Canada to install 16 gates at eight entry points to the Promenade as part of Transport Canada-mandated safety improvements. A grade crossing is an intersection where a road, sidewalk, path or trail crosses railway tracks.

aerial view of White Rock

The eight Pedestrian Grade Crossings along White Rock's Promenade are:

  1. Bay Street (West Beach)
  2. Anderson Street (West Beach)
  3. Oxford Street (West Beach)
  4. The Pier (West Beach)
  5. Cypress Street (East Beach)
  6. Balsam Street (East Beach) 
  7. Ash Street (East Beach)
  8. Finlay Street (East Beach)


For more information on Public Grade Crossings and Grade Crossing Regulations, please visit Transportation Canada.

How do I report malfunctioning crossing gates and lights at a crossing?


Call BNSF's emergency number at 800-832-5452 to report any railroad emergency, including the false activation of gates and lights. This number will connect you directly to BNSF's Resource Operations Command Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 


Transport Canada contact information:


Transport Canada
820 - 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2J8
General Information: 866-995-9737
Website

Transport Canada Rail Services
225 - 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 5Y4
General Information: 604-666-0011
Email Rail Safety