Hey Strathcona, notice an increase in train whistles this morning?
CN just informed that as of yesterday, they’ve increased traffic on the (Raymur) Burred Inlet Line from zero to six scheduled trains a day.
This means:
- Disruption of the at grade crossings, meaning frustrated commuters will be more likely to rat-run through the neighbourhood, especially along Campbell Ave, putting more cyclists and pedestrians at risk
- Potential traffic of more dangerous goods through community (think Lac Megantique, or even 2015’s chemical fire at the port and lacking public warning system/safety plan)
- Lots more train horns
Wednesday’s meeting of the Strathcona Residents Association will feature a presentation from City about plans for a new east-west connector and overpass, especially timely given this news
WHAT CN IS SAYING:
“CN is increasing freight train service via the two-mile-long Burrard Inlet (BI) spur line in urban Vancouver, that crosses Glen Drive, Venables, Union and Cordova beginning on January 2, 2017 to improve service to customers.
The crossings are protected by lights and bells, and CN reminds motorists that all signals should be obeyed, for their own safety.
A reminder to the public that freight trains operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day. CN expects to operate a minimum of six trains, of varying length, daily.
Safety remains our top priority at CN, and we would like to remind the public that it is important to stay vigilant at crossings and that trespassing onto railroad tracks is illegal and highly dangerous.”
— official statement from the Edmonton office of the Senior Manager of Government and Stakeholders at CN, released January 3, 2016