Starting in May, construction will begin at the CN Rail crossings on Lorne Street to implement rail safety improvements. These changes will include safety measures for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to support the future cessation of train whistles.
The work will include upgrading the rail crossing warning systems at 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue, reconfiguring the lane, and raising the existing road profile as well as excavation and fill works, installing fencing, and milling and paving.
The Lorne Street Rail Safety Project is partially funded by Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program, a program that contributes to the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system through investments in infrastructure upgrades, research studies, technology pilots and education and awareness initiatives.
An increase in rail traffic in the area has resulted in higher levels of noise, vibration, and daily train whistles, which has become a nuisance for residents located in the vicinity of these three crossings. The increased activity is impacting residents’ quality of life at all hours of the day, as documented in a 100-signature petition sent to the Mayor and Council in December 2021.
As railways are federally or provincially regulated, the City cannot restrict or regulate the use of train whistles. However, the federal and provincial governments have established detailed processes the City can pursue to eliminate whistles at specified locations. Part of the process requires the City to implement safety improvements and crossing upgrades, such as those being done as part of the Lorne Street Rail Safety Project. Following a Council resolution and subsequent approval from Transport Canada, whistle cessation can be achieved.
The Lorne Street Rail Safety Project will begin in early May, with completion expected in fall 2025. Provided all requirements are met, it is expected that whistle cessation within the Lorne Street rail corridor will occur during that time.
Visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/CapitalProjects for more project details.
