Prince Edward Street Railway Crossing
To improve the safety of the travelling public, local municipalities and railway authorities partnered to add new safety features to the Prince Edward Street (County Road 64) Railway Crossing in Brighton, Ontario.
These enhancements were made in response to:
- A steady increase in traffic in this area
- Frequency and speed of passing trains
- Increased pedestrian usage of the crossing
- Proximity to residential areas
New safety enhancements for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians:
With a community on the go, these new safety features will provide all road users with clearer direction for a safer way to go about their day.
New safety features for drivers
New safety features for pedestrians
Rail safety tips
Stay safe around railway tracks and trains by following these important tips from Operation Lifesaver:
| Stay off the tracks |
| Never walk, cycle or drive along railway tracks. It’s hard to judge how far away a train is or what speed it’s travelling at. Trains can go as fast as 160 km/h and can take up to 2 km to come to a complete stop. That’s the length of 18 football fields. |
| Keep off railway property |
| Railway yards, tunnels and bridges are all private property. If you are caught trespassing on them, you could be fined up to $50,000. But it isn’t just illegal to trespass on railway property—it’s extremely dangerous. Railway tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little or no room for you if a train does come along. |
| Use designated railway crossings |
| Always cross railway tracks at designated crossings. Trying to cross tracks anywhere else could be deadly. Remember, trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track. They also don’t always run on a set schedule. |
| Obey all railway signs and signals |
| Obey all railway signs and warning devices, such as lights, bells and gates. Before proceeding through a crossing, look both ways and listen for approaching trains. If a train is coming, or railway warning signals are activated, stop behind any gates or stop lines—or no closer than 5 metres away from the nearest rail —and wait for the train to pass. Cross only after the warning signals have ceased and you are certain no other trains are approaching, from either direction, and on any track. |
| Stay alert |
| You can’t avoid getting struck by a train if you can’t hear it or see it coming. Today’s trains are extremely quiet, so don’t be distracted by cell phones or other devices when in the vicinity of a railway crossing. Although trains sound their whistles at most crossings, or in the case of an emergency, you won’t hear the warning if you are wearing headphones. |
| Keep your distance |
| Trains can overhang the tracks by as much as 1 metre on each side. They can also carry loads that are wider than the railway cars themselves. So, stay clear. You could also get hit by chains, straps or other equipment swinging loose from the train if you are too close. |
Safety is a shared responsibility. When approaching any railway crossing, always remember to:
- Slow down
- Be prepared to stop
- Look in both directions
- Listen for oncoming trains before proceeding through the crossing, even if the gates are up and the signals are off
- In other words, Stop, Look, Listen, and Live!
Operation Lifesaver offers helpful handouts for general rail safety, drivers, kids, cyclists, farm machinery operators and more. Visit their website for a full list of resources.
Additional resources
- Council Report: Transport Canada Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) Funding - October 21, 2020
- Proclamation: Rail Safety Week - September 18-24, 2023
This project is made possible in partnership with:
