Construction work for the At-Grade Crossings Project will begin this month at Ash and Bay Street Crossings for improved signalization and crossing approaches for pedestrians as part of the federal funding toward rail safety-related projects on the Peninsula.
The main driver for this project is to increase rail safety and to enable application for whistle cessation. The project will improve accessibility of the crossings and provide an audible warning to pedestrians for approaching trains.
Project Scope:
- Construction of retaining walls
- New electrical conduits
- Paving
- Signals
- Gates
Construction will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in keeping with the City’s Noise Bylaw and is expected to be completed in May 2019.
Background:
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 seven years after the new Grade Crossings Regulations came into force, or by November 2021, railway companies and road authorities must meet all requirements to upgrade existing grade crossings, including signage, crossing surface specifications, sightlines and warning systems.
Transport Canada identified safety concerns with pedestrian crossings at Finlay Street, Ash Street, Balsam Street, Cypress Street, the Pier and Bay Street in that they do not meet the Grade Crossing Regulations. In addition, the two new crossings at Oxford Street and Anderson Street now require flashing lights and bells to meet the new Grade Crossing Regulations.
The City will make every effort to minimize the impact of construction on your daily routine and/or business. Please bring immediate concerns to Engineering and Municipal Operations by emailing Operations@whiterockcity.ca
To learn more about Rail Safety in White Rock, please go to: www.whiterockcity.ca/RailSafety
Engineering and Operations
City of White Rock