Repentigny asks Ottawa to review freight train speeds after derailment
Repentigny freight train speed limits as city urges federal review after derailment. See why officials want slower rail traffic in dense areas and what happens next.
The City of Repentigny, Que., is asking the federal government to review speed limits for freight trains in densely populated areas after a derailment earlier this month sent 46 railcars off the tracks in a residential neighbourhood.
City council passed a resolution urging Ottawa to reassess rail speeds in urban areas and to keep temporary reductions in place until the Transportation Safety Board finishes its investigation. No one was hurt, and there were no fires or hazardous leaks, but the incident raised safety concerns in the community.
Transport Canada has already lowered train speeds through Repentigny from 80 km/h to 15 km/h while inspections and followup work continue. Railway operations have been gradually resuming, while federal officials and CN Rail have not yet commented on the city’s latest request.