CARSTAIRS - Council has decided to reply to a Canadian Pacific Rail request for the train speeds within town limits to be increased for the first time in more than 40 years with a thanks but no thanks, says chief administrative officer Rick Blair.
During the recent council meeting, council discussed the request and decided to reply with a letter, he said.
“In the town of Carstairs, Transport Canada has what is called a slow order in place for the last 40 some-odd years,” Blair told the Albertan. “So through the town of Carstairs the trains don’t travel at more than 30 miles (50 kilometres) per hour.
“CP is asking for our support in having that (slow order) lifted. They would like to travel at 45 miles per hour through the town, but council is not in support of that.
“I’m going to send a letter to CP saying we are not in support. We don’t think it enhances safety within the town limits. We don’t think that raising the speed is going to enhance safety.”
The letter itself was in the works last week and would be sent to CP officials in the near future, he said.
The north-south CP line runs through town immediately west of Highway 2A. The slow order covers the stretch of track between Gough Road and Centre Street crossings.
In a letter sent to the town on March 31, CP officials requested the change in speed.
“I would appreciate if you can bring to mayor/council’s attention our desire to lift the slow order,” Mark Piciacchia, manager of Indigenous Relations and Government Affairs. “As discussed at our (recent) meeting, CP believes that safety concerns related to these crossings have been addressed since the slow order was implemented over 40 years ago.
“Crossing advanced warning systems and centralized train control have been installed since the slow order was implemented. These technologies represent the highest form of public protection. Consistent train speed will also provide greater safety by limiting in-train forces caused by braking/accelerating.”
CP is interested in discussing two other issues recently raised by the town, he said.
“Regarding your two requests, CP can discuss whistle cessation and the third crossing north of town at Township Road,” he said.
