Railway crossings are regulated and managed by various entities at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Railway-related complaints
Complaints about suspicious activities, blocked crossings, missing railway crossing signs or operational problems with crossing warning systems (eg., lights, bells or gates) within Sturgeon County should be directed to Canadian National Railways (CN).
CN Contact:
- General Inquiries: 1-888-888-5909 or email contact@cn.ca
- Emergencies: 1-800-465-9239
- Non-urgent suspicious activities: email CNPoliceTipLine@cn.ca
Noise and vibration complaints
Rail noise and vibration complaints can be directed to the Canadian Transportation Agency.
Train Whistle Cessation
Train whistling is mandated by Transport Canada. Whistling is required at specific volumes, patterns and time frame as trains move through crossings, and at other times during travel. Since 2021, Sturgeon County has been undertaking a process for train whistle cessation at several crossings.
Reduced visibility or road condition on at-grade (road level) crossings
If you find sightlines on the road right-of-way are obscured (ie by vegetation) or are concerned about the condition of the road, please submit a case through the County portal.
Instructions: Select which road type (either gravel road or paved road) and then select “railway crossing” (as subcategory).
Safety oversight and resources
The Railway Safety Act (RSA) gives Transport Canada responsibility to oversee railway safety. In January 2019, Transport Canada released a revised version of Grade Crossing Standards. These standards help reduce frequency and severity of collisions at-grade crossings.
Sturgeon County has evaluated, and continues to monitor, all at-grade (road level) crossings throughout the County to ensure that they meet or exceed these standards.
Resources
- Government of Alberta – Rail Safety
- Information on teach your children about rail safety: Rail Safety, Children and You
- Operation Lifesaver offers information on rail safety, as well as free resources for classroom or community groups. It is a partnership initiative of the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada and works in cooperation with the rail industry, government, police, unions, and many public organizations and community groups.