A spokesman for provincial minister of transportation Glen Murray says the ministry will be working to eliminate a hazardous train crossing at Wellington Road 29 and Highway 7 between Rockwood and Guelph.
The intersection was the scene of a train-tractor trailer collision in late January and sparked the interest of Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who raised the issue at Queen’s Park with the minister.
It also sparked considerable concern with a truck driver who often crossed the intersection and claimed many tractor trailers would not fit between the tracks and traffic lights on Highway 7.
“There are published reports that the Ministry of Transportation has committed to carrying out some kind of work on the intersection this spring,” Arnott said in a press release issued on March 12 .
The minister’s spokesman Patrick Searle issued a statement on Murray’s behalf on March 17.
“Safety is our top priority. Because of the close proximity of the railroad crossing to the intersection, the traffic signals at Highway 7 and Wellington County Road 29 are connected with the railroad signals and gate operation” Searle said.
“When there is an approaching train, the traffic signals are programmed to give priority to vehicles stopped between the rail line and the stop block, and to provide sufficient time to clear traffic before the train arrives. There are also signs located on the approaches to the tracks warning motorists not to block them.”
Searle continued, “The distance between the railroad tracks and the intersection at Highway 7 was designed to accommodate a typical transport truck.
“Following the train-truck collision at Highway 7 and Wellington Road 29 on January 26, the ministry reviewed the intersection carefully and has determined that based on the existing conditions we are able to increase the space between the tracks and the stop block by adjusting the location of the stop block.
“That work will take place this spring, as soon as the weather conditions and temperatures are suitable for placing pavement markings on the road.”
The ministry, according to Searle, is not aware of any other accidents involving trains at the intersection since the traffic lights were installed in the 1990s.
“The ministry has worked with railroad authorities in the past to ensure the safe operation of the traffic signals connection with the railroad signals. We will continue to work with them to identify any long-term improvements that may further enhance safety at this location,” Searle added.
Arnott acknowledged the role of the many individuals in bringing the problem to the public eye.
“It’s good to see that the government appears to be listening to the concerns that we’ve been raising,” Arnott stated, adding he intends to continue to monitor the situation.
