We're working to reduce impacts from rail activity and improve the safety near rail crossings.
Vancouver is a gateway for Asia-Pacific trade, which makes the railway critical to the movement of goods around Canada and North America. Rail presence is vital to our strong local economy, but requires us to be alert and be safe around rail crossings.
We're also working to build over or under passes near the Port of Vancouver to separate the rail line to enhance safety and reduce congestion caused by waiting for trains to pass.
What's on this page
Safety improvements
We work with the railways and take action on our own street right-of-way to improve safety and minimize traffic congestion around trains. We are:
- Installing train presence monitoring devices to track the frequency and duration of trains at key crossings
- Applying for funding to develop real-time alerts for motorists
- Rehabilitating sidewalks near crossings
- Upgrading railway warning devices
- Improving pavement markings and signage
- Working with Operation Lifesaver
to increase public awareness of safety at rail crossings
What's happeningFull closure of Raymur Ave rail crossing
On November 12, 2024, we will begin to implement a full closure of the Raymur Avenue railway crossing between East Hastings Street and East Cordova Street. The closure addresses safety concerns at the crossing and meets Transport Canada’s new safety standards.
The initial deadline to install the safety upgrades was the fall of 2021, but Transport Canada extended the deadline to November 2024.
Learn more about the Raymur Avenue rail crossing changes
Partial closure of the Parker-Glen Drive railway crossing
We plan to partially close the north side of the Parker Street - Glen Drive railway crossing in Strathcona to address safety concerns and meet Transport Canada’s new safety standards.
The east-west connection will remain open for business access.
Learn more about the Parker-Glen Drive railway crossing changes
Our responsibility to residents
Safety is our number one goal, and our work is guided by policies such as the Greenest City Action Plan (for issues such as air quality) and the Healthy City Strategy (for issues such as livability).
We have no authority over rail operations, but are committed to supporting residents in discussions with the Canadian Transportation Agency and rail companies to address issues of health and safety.
Our responsibility to rail
Vancouver’s Economic Action Strategy (2011) focuses on attracting and retaining people as key economic drivers, creating a climate for growth and prosperity, and supporting business investment and trade.
We have a key role in supporting the Port as a gateway to global markets through local land use and transportation policies.
Raymur Avenue rail crossing closure
The extension allowed us to work with an engineering consultant to study different railway safety options. The study built on feedback collected from the Strathcona community in 2021 about keeping the crossing open or closed.
Rail safety tips
- Obey all railway signs and warning devices such as lights, bells, and gates
- Use designated railway crossings
- Exercise your patience
- Never walk, bike, or drive along railway tracks
- Don't be distracted by phones or other devices when behind the wheel or near a railway crossing
- Keep your distance as trains appear to be much further away and slower than their actual speed
- Avoid stationary railway cars as they can move at any time
Know the signs
Learn about the hazards of rail crossings and trespassing on railway property.