Residents reminded about rail safety

The City of Oshawa is reminding residents to be safe near railway tracks and rail crossings.

Whether driving or on foot, residents should be aware of a number of things to keep themselves safe.

Trains need at least two kilometres to stop completely and can sometimes be carrying loads wider than the tracks themselves. Tunnels, bridges and trestles are only designed for trains and taking a shortcut across railway tracks is illegal, states a news release from the city.

Stopped railway cars can also move at any time, and “any time is train time” as they can run at all hours on any track and come from either direction.

Residents are advised if they witness any unsafe situations near the railroad, residents are advised to call CN at 1-800-465-9239.

The release follows a tragic incident on May 9 when a woman was struck and killed on the railway tracks near Bloor Street West and Park Road.