Randy Kamp works with volunteers to clean up a section of the Canadian Pacific rail line in Pitt Meadows last year.


MAPLE RIDGE, BC - Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, today announced $55,000 to upgrade a rail grade crossing in Maple Ridge.

"Improving rail crossing safety is an important measure that our government announced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Kamp. "I'm pleased today to announce an investment that will upgrade a high-priority rail intersection crossing here in Maple Ridge.

The upgrade will include installing signage and adding pavement markings and signal louvers to the level crossing at 203rd Street and Hammond Road.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing close to $11 million to upgrade 155 high-priority rail grade crossings across the country.  This measure is another important commitment under Canada's Economic Action Plan.

In 2009, there was a 36 per cent decrease from the previous year in the number of crossing fatalities and serious injuries in Canada.

Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings, which is why the Government of Canada works closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements.  The Government also partners with organizations to implement safety awareness programs, including the Operation Lifesaver program.

For more information on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, please visit: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/publications-46.htm.