Townsman Staff
Canadian Pacific is notifying Cranbrook residents that trains will now travel at up to 40 kilometres an hour through Cranbrook.
Track infrastructure upgrades have enabled Canadian Pacific to modify regulated track speeds in Cranbrook, CP Rail announced Friday.
It advised local residents that the maximum operating track speed will be increased to 40 kilometres an hour effective December 24, 2013.
Track speed at 3rd Street, 6th Street and King Street crossings will remain at 16 kilometres an hour until the crossing is fully occupied by the traversing train and will then resume track speed.
This measure will improve the public traffic flow at railroad grade crossings.
Motorists are reminded when approaching any grade crossing:
• Always be prepared to stop when approaching train tracks.
• Do not attempt to drive around activated crossing or when crossing lights are flashing.
• If a crossing has no flashing lights or gates, look both ways to ensure no trains are approaching before entering the crossing.
• It takes one or two kilometres for a train to come to a safe stop after the brakes are applied.
• If your car stalls on the crossing tracks, get out, move off the tracks, and call 911.
• Never walk on the railroad tracks. The only legal place to cross a railroad line is at a marked grade crossing or designated pedestrian walkway.
For more information on rail safety, visit the Operation Life website at www.operationlifesaver.ca.