Upgrades proposed for McIrvine Rd. rail crossing

Motorists irked by long waits at the McIrvine Road rail crossing may see the situation improve in the future given the town has learned that CN is proposing upgrades in response to the problem.
“As you are aware, several complaints have been received from the general public regarding lengthy delays at the McIrvine Road railway crossing over the past year,” Operations and Facilities manager Doug Brown wrote in a report approved by council this week.
“The complaints have been forwarded to CNR for its consideration,” he added.
“In order to improve the length of time vehicles are delayed at this crossing, CNR, at its expense, has proposed improvement to the crossing warning system,” Brown continued.
“The improvement to the crossing warning system will result in more consistent warning timer and increase speed of the trains over the crossing, which will result in reducing the length of time the crossing is obstructed by train movements.”
As recommended by Brown, council formally accepted CN’s proposal for the upgrades—a condition that must be reached before CN can progress with its plans.
In Feb. 4 letter from CN’s Prairie Division—Enginering, the company explained further that the modifications will consist of “the addition of constant warning time devices on the main track to eliminate nuisance ringing and short warning times.”
“Subsequent to the installation of the constant warning time devices, the operating train speed on the main track over the McIrvine Road will be increased from the current 20 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h.,” the letter read.
“This increase in train speed will reduce train occupancy time and train/vehicle conflicts at this location,” it added. “Costs associated with the improvements to the crossing warning system will be covered by CN.”
A representative from CN has been invited to the Feb. 28 council meeting to make a presentation on all proposed upgrades to the McIrvine Road crossing, noted Brown.
He added should the public have any questions about the crossing, and other CN-related issues, they should attend that meeting.