5 August 2005
End to Leduc's Train Whistles Tapped for Fall
Leduc - This fall, residents living along the train tracks in Leduc may not be
waking-up to train whistles all through the night.
After making improvements to the railroad crossings in Leduc, the city is one step closer to going anti-train
whistling, said City of Leduc director of engineering Ron Hansen. "The city is trying to make necessary improvements to the
tracks and roadway systems," said Hansen, adding the city has been working closely with the Canadian Pacific Railway since
the fall of 2004.
When a train goes through town, it is required to blow its whistle for safety. But if improvements are made according to
Transport Canada, the whistle would no longer be needed. "In general, the whistle won't be needed," said Hansen.
"There was a lot of public pressure, especially from those who live along the tracks (to take this approach). They wanted
this to happen simply because it's an annoyance."
But one problem that may stall the process is vandalism, said Hansen. "We've installed fencing (in the Corinthia area) and
pedestrians wanting to take a short cut are cutting the fence so they can walk directly across the tracks," he said.
"If Transport Canada sees this as a (safety) issue, they can stop the process."
Improvements included chain-link fencing along the crossings, two additional signs, additional pedestrian crossings
and upgraded automatic gates. Railroad crossing marks on the pavement have also been completed. The project, which has been
budgeted for $290,000 if no other changes need to be made, should be completed by late fall.
City council has already given first and second reading to the bylaw.
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