Released on April 24, 2009
National Rail Safety Week runs from April 27 to May 3
As an introduction to National Rail Safety Week, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard is encouraging the public to be extra attentive to their personal safety near trains and rail lines.
"Our ministry takes regular action to help ensure safety near railways, but everyone must do their part," Elhard said. "Whether on foot or in a vehicle, the only place one should ever cross railway tracks is at authorized and marked crossings. In these areas it is crucial that people be alert and prepared to stop. It is important to obey all crossing signals and signs."
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure helps to ensure the safety of Saskatchewan's shortline railways by providing free reflective tape for their locomotives and regularly reviewing safety management plans. The ministry also conducts ongoing safety inspections of all 814 Saskatchewan shortline railway crossings, and regularly inspects shortline locomotives.
"I'm pleased to see the province helping the Saskatchewan shortline railway industry with safety by making our trains, and the crossings we use, safer and more visible for our operators and the general public," Saskatchewan Shortline Railroad Association chairman Roger Gadd said.
The objective of National Rail Safety Week is to help reduce motorist and pedestrian incidents at railway crossings. The week is an initiative of the Operation Lifesaver campaign, which promotes rail safety through the involvement of various transportation, government and safety partners. National Rail Safety Week runs from April 27 to May 3.
Saskatchewan currently has nine operational shortline railways covering almost 1,700 kilometres, which are regulated by the province. These provincial shortlines connect to about 7,100 kilometres of federally regulated rail lines in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805