Metrolinx installs more rail corridor anti-trespassing mats
Metrolinx is rolling out potentially life-saving mats for safety on several lines.
Aug 27, 2020
When it comes to safety, you can consider this a big step in the right direction.
Metrolinx recently reported on the pilot program that saw the installation of rubber anti-trespassing mats (ATPs) at select level crossings across the GO rail network.
It didn’t take long for it to become obvious that broadening of the scope of the program was a no-brainer.
“With safety being at the very heart of our operations at Metrolinx, we decided to build on the success of the pilot program,” said Elisabeth Santo, Right-of-Way Officer at Metrolinx.
The hard and uneven surface these rubber panels create makes it nearly impossible to walk over and makes people think twice before they trespass into the rail corridors.
Installation has already been completed at Rodd Avenue, Galloway Road, Scarborough Golf Club Road and the Chesterton Shores pedestrian crossing.
Rodd Avenue level crossing with rubber safety mats installed (Metrolinx photo)
As crews install the new ATPs they will also install improved fencing and signage related to safety.
The majority of the installation work will take place at night. Residents who live near these crossings can expect to hear back up beepers, saws used to cut the mats and hydro vacuums used to install the posts for new fencing.
Where are these mats being installed?
Here’s a full list of the level crossings that will feature the new rubber safety mats:
Lakeshore East:
- Poplar Road
- Morningside Avenue
- Manse Road
- Beechgrove Drive
Stouffville:
- Danforth Avenue
- Corvette Park Pedestrian Crossing
- Havendale Road
- Huntingwood Drive
Lakeshore West:
- Haig Boulevard
- Ogden Avenue
- Alexandra Avenue
- Revus Avenue
- Lorne Park Road
- Clarkson Road
- Chartwell Road
- Kerr Street
- Fourth Line
- Burloak Drive
Chesterton Shores crossing with new rubber safety mats installed (Metrolinx photo)
“We are aiming to complete the installations along these three corridors by the end of this year,” continued Santo. “The future goal is to apply this same technology wherever possible across the rest of our system.”
At the same time, Metrolinx is looking at a number of other initiatives aimed at improving safety at crossings. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
by Robert Pasiak Metrolinx senior advisor, Communications and Community Relations
