RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE (2005)

 

In recent years there has been an increase in rail traffic across the province of BC as a result of the expansion at Roberts Bank Terminals.  Expansion projects like the current proposals for a new container facility at the Port of Prince Rupert and the plans to expand Delta Ports and develop additional sidings will significantly increase the frequency and length of rail shipments to and from the ports.  It is critical that any project that will increase the capacity and frequency of rail traffic also provide funding toward infrastructure development at critical level crossings in high risk communities.

 

The Chamber recognizes the important role the western seaports play in the provincial and national economy, however throughout the province the increased rail movement is having a negative impact due to traffic backlog.  It is creating unacceptable delays in the increasingly heavy urban traffic, with subsequent safety risks, environmental concerns and costly delays to the movement of people, goods and services.  In order to maximize the ports’ capacities, consideration must also be given to ensure the safety and continuous movement of traffic throughout BC.  Many communities are virtually dissected with no alternate corridor when these trains pass through, preventing fire, ambulance and police from quickly attending an urgent situation.  First Responders in many communities are crippled by increased delays as a result of the rail traffic and ensuring vehicular gridlock.  Difficulties are compounded by the inability to predict or forecast when a long train will be passing through a community as there is no set schedule produced or provided by the railroads. 

 

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

 

That the provincial government:

 

1. immediately review the criteria that determines what constitutes a critical level crossing;

 

2. work with Federal Government to provide funding for, and proceed with, the planning and construction of grade separations at level crossings that are deemed to be critical; and

 

3. lobby the Federal Government to include funding for infrastructure development in future expansion projects that will increase rail movement throughout BC.