Train whistling at the 38 Avenue CN railway crossing
07
2012
Lately a number of residents have written to me with concerns about noise from trains whistling at the railway crossing in the Maple Neighbourhood, around 38 Avenue and east of 17 Street. I've noticed more whistling lately at this location, too. I want to provide a bit of information about why this is the case, and what the City has done to address the issue.
A train is required to sound its engine whistle a quarter-mile before public crossings. This is done as a safety measure, to alert drivers and pedestrians of approaching trains. This is federally regulated under Canada's Railway Safety Act.
Given this, railway crossings would ideally be situated far from residential areas, to reduce noise disturbance and its effects on quality of life. However, it is the case that some residential areas exist near, and are growing around, active railways.
Municipalities can initiate a request for an anti-whistling agreement in a given location -- and Edmonton has made this request on behalf of residents for the Maple railway crossing. First, the City assesses the location for eligibility (whistling cannot be stopped at all railway crossings). The railway then reviews the City's information and makes its own assessment, possibly requiring additional warning systems (e.g., bells, lights, gates) to be installed prior to supporting the anti-whistling agreement. The City pays for additional warning systems if they're needed. Once the railway is satisfied with these provisions, they forward the City's application to Transport Canada for ultimate approval.
My Council colleages and I recently moved this process forward, asking the City to pursue an Anti-Whistle Agreement. At this point, the City has completed its steps to get the process going, and we are waiting for approval from the railway and, eventually, from Transport Canada. As a result, I hope to see noise reduced at this crossing over the coming months.
Here is some background information from CN on train whistling, as well as a useful pamphlet on why trains whistle in the first place.
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