Considering the letter to the editor in the September Camden News on long trains blocking traffic we checked the Canadian Pacific Railroad’s (CP) website to see if they had any rules on this.
How long can trains block crossings?
In Canada, regulations prohibit a train from standing still on a public grade crossing for longer than 5 minutes and the crew must clear the crossing after 5 minutes to allow vehicles and pedestrians through tc.gc.ca/en/services/rail/grade-crossings/grade-crossing-regulations/public-grade-crossings.html. There are exceptions to this rule. In the U.S., the majority of states place restrictions on the amount of time a rail grade crossing can be blocked: https://www.fra.dot.gov/StateLaws. The time allowed for blocking varies but generally does not exceed 20 minutes. When an emergency vehicle needs to travel through a blocked crossing, CP will endeavor to clear the affected crossing as quickly as possible. If you require emergency vehicular passage at a grade crossing, contact CP Police Service immediately at 1-800-716-9132.
Why is there locomotive idling?
Holding trains temporarily along the mainline, or on sidings, is a normal and necessary part of railroad operations. This allows the railcars to be sorted, marshalled, inspected and to perform a host of other operational requirements. Additionally, important mechanical safety components of trains, such as air brake pressure, require the intermittent starting and stopping of locomotive engines. During cold weather, the locomotive must remain running to avoid severe damage to the engine.
CP property is a heavy industrial zone used to support live railway operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. CP tries to minimize the effects resulting from our operations on people living nearby, in so far as reasonable, while ensuring that CP’s railway network remains safe and efficient.
Find more info at cpr.ca/en/community/living-near-the-railway.