County approves new Range Road 255 rail crossing safety infrastructure

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County voted to invest in additional safety infrastructure at the Range Road 255 rail crossing.

Previously brought before council in June, administration had recommended at the time, setting aside a budget of nearly $900,000 for the installation of an active crossing warning system with gates at the crossing. 

Such an active warning system was estimated to cost in the realm of $736,000, though it was suggested to approve additional funds as a contingency. 

“Following discussion, council rejected the proposed installation due to the significant capital cost, then directed administration to investigate alternative measures, specifically the installation of stop signs with and without flashing lights,” said Cody Zimmerman, manager of operations. “Administration subsequently sought additional information regarding regulatory requirements, crossing compliance, and reviewed potential safety enhancement measures at the crossing.”

The Range Road 255 rail crossing is classified as an existing grade crossing under current regulations. 

Zimmerman explained current rail crossing safety standards would have required the installation of an active warning system with gates if the crossing were to be constructed today, however the GCR does not require the retrofitting of existing crossings.

Instead, council has voted to approve the purchase and installation of an oversized stop sign, which will also feature solar-powered flashing beacons.

The replacement of an existing stop sign with an oversized one to improve visibility and driver recognition, as well as the installation of solar powered flashing beacons are permitted under existing regulatory requirements.

“The estimated cost to implement the enhanced safety control measures is approximately $4,000 and sufficient funding is available to complete the installation within the approved 2026 operating budget,” said Zimmerman. “It is anticipated that the installation could be completed within four to six weeks from the time of approval.”

The Range Road 255 crossing sees a typical average of 17 train movements, as well as between 100 and 150 vehicle crossings per day. 

A primary concern regarding the crossing is the steep angle, being less than 30 degrees. Under modern engineering standards for rail crossings, a similar crossing would have to be set up with active controls if constructed today.

Reeve Scott Klassen noted prior to the vote, council recently discussed the potential of closing a public access roadway which currently features safety features similar to what had been recommended for the Range Road 255 crossing. 

Should council have voted to close the previously subject road during the previous discussion, the infrastructure could have been migrated to Range Road 255 and reused. 

Despite the noted improvements, the approved new safety measures still fall short of modern recommended minimum protections.