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Cranbrook, BC (September 13, 2022) – Improvements to the rail crossing on McPhee Road in Cranbrook, along with the installation of permanent traffic lights at the McPhee Road/Theatre Road intersection will be undertaken starting Wednesday, September 21, 2022, thanks in part to federal grant funding through the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RISP).

The project is being undertaken in partnership with CP Rail, who will be completing the crossing updates. A large portion of the rail crossing upgrades were completed in August. CP Rail will work to wrap up the rest of the rail crossing update work; will be completed, while the City oversees the remainder of the project. 

The project is designed to enhance public safety at the McPhee grade crossing to further reduce the risk of collisions. Upgrades will be made the train detection system, which will integrate, with the traffic signal systems at the McPhee/Theatre Road intersection, with new lights, bells and gates being installed. Upgrades will also be made on the Rails to Trails pathway, along with improvements to signage, pavement markings, and lighting.

The Federal Government is contributing $500,000 through the RISP program, with the City of Cranbrook providing $125,000 to the rail crossing project; $100,000 funded from the City’s road program and $25,000 funded from surplus. The City is also overseeing the installation of permanent traffic lights at McPhee/Theatre Road at a cost of $483,300, funded from road Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and the Capital Works Reserve.

Starting on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, McPhee Road will be closed from Theatre Road to Industrial Road F. This closure is anticipated to last for 4 weeks, which is to upgrade the deep utilities in the area, in order to properly and safely complete the work the full road is required. We ask that businesses and residents avoid the area to allow our contractor to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible. Theatre Road will experience some disruptions, as we get further into the project when we complete the intersection work. 

The City of Cranbrook gratefully acknowledges the financial commitment of the Government of Canada toward this important public safety work.