The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is suggesting that while a rail crossing in Ste. Anne meets safety standards for pedestrians it was not designed for cyclists.

In a letter that has been issued to the mayor of the Town of Ste. Anne TSB outlines their findings following an investigation into tragic train collision that killed a 12-year-old cyclist. On September 15th, the young girl was riding her bike and was struck by a passing train while crossing the track at between Gagnier Bay and Dawson Road.

The TSB report determines the crossing met all the regulatory requirements for pedestrian use, however, it was also found the crossing was frequently being used by cyclists and riders of snowmobiles and ATV’s which it was not designed for.

The report states, "for cyclists approaching the crossing from the south, the available sight line looking westward was insufficient."

The letter also outlines a number of unintended hazards at the pedestrian crossing including gaps in the hardwood crossing ties that create a potential tripping hazard, a crossing setup that requires pedestrians to focus their attention downward while approach the crossing, and an abrupt approach to the track that provides minimal opportunity to observe the track in both directions.

As the crossing is currently not being limited to pedestrian use, the report suggests barriers be installed that would require cyclists to dismount before crossing the tracks.

Ste. Anne Mayor Richard Pelletier says the town will reassess the pedestrian crossing and decide what improvements are needed.

"It is ongoing, now we are going to meet with CN and we are going to come up with a plan for what to do, but it didn’t take place yet. We will be talking about it this week sometime and we are going to meet and see what needs to be improved."

Read more:
Young Killed By Train In Ste. Anne
Town Of Ste. Anne Shaken After Fatal Train Collision