By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban
Montreal West, along with the commuter train operator Exo and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), launched a rail safety campaign recently as part of Rail Safety Week.
The railway crossing on Westminster has been a concern over the years, with cars being trapped between barriers on some occasions. As well, a 70-year-old man died this year after being struck by a train at the crossing at Westminster near Sherbrooke.
The town says the initiative “aims to raise public awareness and encourage safe behaviours at the Montreal West train station as well as at the Westminster crossing. This collaborative effort emphasizes the safety of the hundreds of pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists who cross the railway tracks daily. The Montreal West train tracks see nearly 100 train passings daily and around 2,500 passengers who transit through the Montreal West station on the average workday, making it amongst the busiest in the exo network.”
Mayor Beny Masella pointed out that “rail safety has always been a priority and an enormous concern for the town. We are grateful to our partners, including the SPVM, exo, and the CPKC for the actions they have taken to improve safety. We are committed to taking ongoing measures with our partners to ensure maximum safety at crossings, including initiatives like this one.”
Councillor Lauren Small-Pennefather, who was at the Montreal West train station last week, said that “as part of Operation Lifesaver’s national campaign, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with CPKC police, exo officers and Montreal West Security, to promote the Look. Listen. Live. campaign at the Montreal West Station.
“Our collective goal was to increase and raise awareness about railway safety to commuters. It is essential to stay vigilant when near a rail crossing, respect all signs, lights, and barriers, and stand behind the yellow line when on the platform. We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout and positive reception from all users, including students from Royal West Academy, Loyola and Collège Prep International….We want everyone to reach their destination safely.”
On Sept. 24, 25 and 26, Exo representatives were at the train station “disseminating interactive and informative awareness material. Representatives from the CPKC police were in nearby Davies Park also raising awareness about rail safety.
A town statement also pointed out that as part of the overall safety efforts, the Montreal West train station “underwent significant renovations.
“Improvements include a new pedestrian tunnel, completed in 2024, that connects Sherbrooke Street to Broughton Street, providing a safer way to cross the tracks. Additionally, modifications to road configuration and traffic have been made at the Westminster crossing to enhance safety.”