Edmonton Alberta - Residents should sleep a little better soon in some neighbourhoods along rail lines after Edmonton foots the bill for safety improvements.
 
In Canada, trains are required to warn the public before rolling through uncontrolled intersections.
 
After numerous complaints, city officials studied the issue further and found three intersections can be fixed with very minor improvements.
 
Five will need crossing gates, bells, lights, and in one case a power pole moved, city officials reported Monday.
 
It will cost $790,000, but up to 80 percent of the cost could be reimbursed by Transport Canada (TC).
 
"Those who feel like they are living next to a rock concert on a daily basis are feeling it," said Coun. Bev Esslinger, celebrating the work after hearing from many northwest residents.
 
City staff say the train whistles sound at 110 decibels, which is nearly as loud as a rock concert, 125 decibels.
 
In contrast, a normal conversation is at 60 to 70 decibels.
 
Traffic on a main road is 65 decibels.
 
Council's community services committee voted to do the work.
 
Council will still need to approve an appropriate source of funding.
 
The work would be done in 2017 or early 2018, said Rahim Karmali, a director in city operations.
 
"It's typically done within one fiscal cycle for TC, which is March 31 to March 31."
 
Locations for Safety Upgrades
 
Safety upgrades at the following sites will allow trains to stop whistling at the crossings.
 
127 Avenue at Dunvegan Road.
 
162 Avenue east of 142 Street.
 
167 Avenue east of 142 Street.
 
101 Street south of Ellerslie Road.
 
64 Avenue east of 30 Street.
 
Meridian Street north of 178 Avenue.
 
34 Street at 94 Avenue.
 
Celanese Road at 17 Street.
 
Elise Stolte.