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Prince Rupert: New Rail Signals Enhance Safety and Reduce Whistling

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The Prince Rupert Port Authority and CN have completed a long-term project to quell mandatory train whistling at two waterfront rail crossings.

As port activity at Fairview Terminal increased in recent years, train traffic between the terminal and CN's waterfront rail yard has also increased. Until now, trains have been required to whistle at crossings to alert pedestrians and motorists of their presence and ensure overall safety. Beginning in 2012, the port authority and CN partnered in a commitment to install new crossing signals and improved security fencing.

Two new crossing signals flash bright red lights and emit bell-ringing audio when a train is within one quarter-mile of the crossing, requiring vehicles and pedestrians to refrain from crossing. New fencing installed along 800 meters of track prevents people from crossing along restricted sections.

CN engineers are no longer mandated to sound their train whistles at the crossings and will only do so if they observe an unauthorized person, animal or object on the track that poses a risk to safety.

"We have heard from Prince Rupert residents that they wanted us to find a better way – a quieter way – to ensure safety on our waterfront, and thanks to this cost-sharing project with our partner CN, we have been successful in assembling the proper infrastructure to do just that," said Gary Paulson, the port authority’s vice president of operations. "This project is another example of the emphasis we place on maintaining sustainable growth with input from our community members."
 

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